Self Help

Laissez Faire Laissez – Faire means to do nothing or not interfere. Many people believed that governments should not interfere in the lives of their citizens.

Government Government had 3 priorities Defence, maintain Law and Order and encourage free trade.

“God helps those who help themselves” In 1859 Samuel Smiles wrote a best selling book called “Self Help” It’s main idea was that people could get themselves out of poverty if they tried hard enough. Every one in good times should save in case of bad times ahead.

Friendly Societies Many skilled working class who had better wages did save with friendly societies which today we would call insurance companies. They would pay “penny policies” to cover themselves if they were sick and could not work or unemployed or for funeral expenses.

Voluntary help Usually people relied on relatives and neighbours At a time when people were very poor everyone helped each other out. Some gave time and comfort by sitting with the elderly or sick, or brought food or clothes to help out when needed knowing they might need it themselves one day.

Charitable Organisations Many middle and upper class people believed it was their Christian duty to help those less fortunate than themselves. However there were so many of these voluntary organisations that it was confusing or a waste of effort. By the 1860s these organisations began to coordinate with others to help the “deserving poor”