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The Speenhamland System.  

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Jack Copson 11-1 History Coursework The Speenhamland System Objective 1 How did the Speenhamland System work? Throughout the 1790's food prices in Britain were a constant problem. During this period Britain was at war with France. This affected trade with mainland Europe and led to rising food prices. Workers wages were seldom enough to keep up with the rising food prices affecting the country. Knowing what had happened during the French revolution in 1798 local parishes and the government realised that if people could no longer afford basic foods such as bread, there could be a large-scale problem. The people could become desperate and cause difficulties for the authorities of Britain. A system was developed in Speen in Berkshire during 1795 that would allow casual workers to provide food for them and their families. The system became known as the Speenhamland System. The system worked by topping up workers earnings to comply with the...

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