Question 1
Using these four sources in their historical context, assess how far they support the view that the
ideas of new liberalism developed for political reasons.
Source A: A member of the government and supporter of new liberalism explains the danger to the Liberal Party if the government does not deal with contemporary problems.
If, at the end of our term in office, it were found that a Liberal Parliament had done nothing to deal seriously with the social condition of the people, then would a real cry arise in this land for a new party. But if a Liberal Government tackle the landlords, the brewers and the peers and try to deliver the nation from their destructive control, then the Independent Labour Party will call in vain upon the working men of Britain to desert Liberalism, that is so gallantly fighting to rid the land of the wrongs that have oppressed those who labour in it.
D. Lloyd George, speech, 13 October 1906
Source B: The Chancellor of the Exchequer’s speech at East Fife as reported in The Times.
Anyone with unprejudiced eyes will see enormous differences in the distribution of material comfort and happiness, and the still more striking discrepancies between opportunity, on the one side, and talent and character on the other. He would find it difficult to reconcile what he saw with even basic standards of social justice, and would be amazed at the patience with which the mass of the population put up with their lot. Large areas of our social and industrial life have been cut free from the paralysing activity of the State but that task of emancipation is still far from complete.
H.H. Asquith, speech, 21 October 1907
Source C: The President of the Board of Trade, in private correspondence with the Prime Minister, outlines his ideas on the priorities for the government.
Germany has established tolerable basic conditions for her people. The Minister who applies Germany’s successful example to our country will leave a lasting memorial. The miseries which this winter is inflicting means the poorer classes will back us. The type of legislation required is the kind the House of Lords will not dare oppose. The expenditure of less than ten million a year, not upon relief, but upon new social systems would make England a better place for the poor. Once the country begins to feel the benefit of these designs, it will give solid support to the Liberal government.
W.S. Churchill, letter, 29 December 1908
Source D: A leading sociologist and thinker defines the task of a Liberal government.
It is for the State to ensure that economic conditions are such that an able-bodied man can, by useful labour, feed, house and clothe himself and his family. The right to work and the right to a living wage are just as valid as the rights of person and property. They are essential conditions of a good social order and civic efficiency. The workman owes the State the duty of working hard for his family. Society owes to him the means of maintaining a civilised standard of life rather than leaving him to secure such wages as he can by haggling in the market.
L.T. Hobhouse, Liberalism, 1911
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