British Period Study: The Edwardians, 1901–14

What you'll learn

Britain in the years before the First World War.

Key themes

• Liberal reforms: early welfare state — old age pensions (1908), National Insurance.
• Votes for women: the suffragettes (militant, WSPU, Pankhurst) and suffragists (peaceful, NUWSS).
• Naval race: rivalry with Germany and the Dreadnought (1906).
• Class, poverty and social change.

Exam tips

• Distinguish suffragettes from suffragists in methods.
• Use specific reforms as evidence of change.

Common mistakes

• Confusing the two women's suffrage groups.
• Forgetting exact reform dates.