How have cartoonists shown the

Old Age Pension Act 1908

1908 Old Age pensions

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a. When the photo was taken

b. How old the man was at the time

c. Whether he had a criminal record etc.

Is this man a pensioner? What do we need to know in order to answer the question?

This man is selling matches and collar studs

d. Whether he was on poor relief/ what income he had

e. Whether he is simply supplementing his inadequate pension

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Old Age Pensions Act 1908

• Weekly pensions provided by the Government for the elderly

• 5s per week to single people over 70, 7s 6d to couples• Full amounts paid only to those who earned less than

£21 per year• For British citizens who had lived there for 10+ years• Not for anyone who had been in prison during the 19

years before claiming their pension• The first pensions were paid in January 1909 and were

very popular among pensioners.

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This is a pension claim from a widow, Elizabeth Murphy. The majority of pensioners were women - who usually lived longer than men and were poorer. As you can see, Mrs Murphy had no income and relied on her children for support. Under the Act she was able to claim a pension of up to 5 shillings a week.

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How have cartoonists shown the Old Age Pension reform?

Instructions1) Get into pairs. You need one copy of the

sheet divided into 4 and a pencil and rubber!2) Person A QUICKLY draws the first part from

the screen – person B faces away.3) Person B draws the second part – person A

faces away.4) Swap back and repeat.5) Look at finished picture and work it out.

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How do I interpret this cartoon?

1. Context – what was happening at the time?

2. Content – what is happening in the cartoon?

3. Comment – what is the meaning of the cartoon?

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Car on horizon represents the rich who are going to be taxed to pay for the reforms. Shown as an armed

highwayman, but why?

Money he is about to steal from the rich is going to pay for Old Age Pensions. The Cartoon is August 1908.

If the rich really do pity the poor, let them show it with their money, from direct taxation.

A philanthropist is someone who helps his fellow man, by force if necessary.

This is Lloyd George, Chancellor of the Exchequer.

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My Expert caption

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Many people were delighted with the reforms. ........................But was everyone?

The new pension was a crucial step to improve the quality of lives of many thousands of old people. It freed them of the fear of being sent to the workhouse.

Optimist

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What would a pessimist say?