Question
Was the Second World War the main reason for changes in social welfare provision between 1918-1979?
Answer
The Second World War was a significant factor in the evolution of social welfare provision between 1918 and 1979, but it was not the sole reason for these changes. Both World Wars played crucial roles in shaping welfare policies, alongside other social, economic, and political factors.
Impact of the Second World War
Catalyst for Welfare Legislation: The Second World War acted as a catalyst for welfare legislation, particularly in countries heavily affected by the war. It influenced the timing and nature of comprehensive welfare reforms, often outweighing other factors like regime type or economic development (Obinger and Schmitt, 2018; Obinger and Schmitt, 2020).
Post-War Social Spending: The war significantly impacted social spending dynamics in Western welfare states, affecting public social spending until the late 1960s. It was a crucial factor in understanding cross-national differences in welfare efforts during the postwar period (Obinger and Schmitt, 2018).
British Social Policy: In Britain, the war exposed widespread social deprivation, prompting the government to consider major welfare reforms. This period laid the groundwork for the post-war welfare state, including social security, a national health service, and family allowances (Jefferys, 1987).
Broader Context and Other Influences
First World War and Welfare Ministries: The First World War also played a pivotal role in the establishment of welfare ministries, setting the stage for later developments in social welfare systems (Petersen, Schmitt and Obinger, 2023).
Economic and Social Conditions: The economic and social turmoil following both World Wars, such as the integration of veterans and the middle class’s financial struggles, necessitated changes in welfare provision (Stolleis, 2014).
Political and Social Movements: Political shifts and social movements, including the influence of Labour ministers in Britain and debates on social insurance in France, also contributed to the evolution of welfare policies (Jefferys, 1987; Domin, 2019).
Conclusion
While the Second World War was a major driver of changes in social welfare provision, it was part of a broader set of influences, including the First World War, economic conditions, and political movements. These factors collectively shaped the development of welfare systems from 1918 to 1979.
References
Obinger, H., & Schmitt, C., 2018. The impact of the Second World War on postwar social spending. European Journal of Political Research, 57, pp. 496-517. https://doi.org/10.1111/1475-6765.12236
Obinger, H., & Schmitt, C., 2020. World war and welfare legislation in western countries. Journal of European Social Policy, 30, pp. 261 – 274. https://doi.org/10.1177/0958928719892852
Jefferys, K., 1987. British Politics and Social Policy during the Second World War. The Historical Journal, 30, pp. 123 – 144. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0018246X00021944
Petersen, K., Schmitt, C., & Obinger, H., 2023. World Wars and the Establishment of Welfare Ministries. Social Science History, 47, pp. 543 – 564. https://doi.org/10.1017/ssh.2022.50
Stolleis, M., 2014. V. The Weimar Republic. **, pp. 95-134. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-38454-7_5
Domin, J., 2019. Socialisation of healthcare demand and development of the French health system (1890–1938). Business History, 61, pp. 498 – 517. https://doi.org/10.1080/00076791.2018.1454433
Beland, D., (2010). What is Social Policy. Cambridge: Polity.
Cove, D. & Westwell, I., (2002). History of World War I. London: Marshall Cavendish.
