Photo AI
Write an account of the ways in which the lives of poor people changed in Elizabethan England. - AQA - GCSE History - Question 3 - 2023 - Paper 2
Question 3
Write an account of the ways in which the lives of poor people changed in Elizabethan England.
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Write an account of the ways in which the lives of poor people changed in Elizabethan England. - AQA - GCSE History - Question 3 - 2023 - Paper 2
Step 1
Explain how the attitude towards the poor changed
Answer
During Elizabethan times, there was a marked shift in the attitude towards the poor. Initially, the poor were often punished for their plight, exemplified by the harsh views held towards beggars. However, from 1576 onwards, a legislative shift occurred that introduced a more compassionate approach. The government recognized the complexity of poverty and began to consider welfare strategies.
Step 2
Describe the introduction of the Poor Rate
Answer
In the late 16th century, the Poor Rate was established, a system aimed at generating funds to support the poor. This represented a significant development in how society viewed the responsibility towards those in need. The Poor Rate mandated that wealthier citizens contribute financially to support the impoverished, which facilitated access to resources such as food and shelter.
Step 3
Analyze regional differences in treatment of the poor
Answer
Different towns had varied approaches, leading to a patchwork of social aid. For example, in 1569, Ipswich implemented a policy where beggars were trained to work in a trade, showcasing a proactive stance towards poverty. Meanwhile, other areas might still resort to punitive measures for the idle poor, reflecting inconsistencies in how the poor were treated across England.
Step 4
Conclude with the establishment of the Great Poor Law
Answer
The changes culminated in the introduction of the Great Poor Law in 1601, which sought to provide systematic relief to the poor. This law organized the administration of aid and established that the welfare of the poor was a communal responsibility, thus formalizing the interactions between society and its most vulnerable members.