Poor Law Amendment Act

The Poor Law Amendment Act of 1834 was a significant reform in England that aimed to improve the welfare system for the poor. It replaced the previous Poor Law system and introduced the idea of Workhouses, where the destitute could receive support but under strict conditions. Families were often separated, and conditions in these institutions were intentionally harsh to discourage reliance on public assistance. The Act sought to reduce costs to local governments and manage poverty more effectively, reflecting the prevailing belief that assistance should promote self-sufficiency rather than dependency.