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The British Workhouse system was introduced in the 1800s and was seen as a last resort for dealing with poverty. It was originally designed to provide shelter to destitute individuals and families who could not look after themselves, while requiring them to work in exchange for food and lodging. Despite the controversial and sometimes harsh conditions of the workhouses, they had a positive effect on society during the 1800s.

First of all, the workhouses offered help to the poorest of British citizens. This could be seen as providing a valuable service during this time when the country was still in the grips of the industrial revolution and poverty was rife. It gave people a safe place to stay as well as a means of making an income.

Secondly, the workhouses were instrumental in helping to reduce Overall levels of poverty in the country. For those who were able to stay in the workhouse, they could expect to make more money than those living on the streets, which supplemented incomes for their families, allowing them to live a better life. This meant that the overall poverty rate in the country was reduced, improving the lives of many people in the process.

Thirdly, another positive effect of the workhouses was the jobs that were created in order to run them. This gave employment opportunities to many people in a time when it was hard to find a job that paid a decent wage. For those with skills relating to the care of the poor, the workhouse was a valuable source of work.

Finally, the workhouses also helped to reduce crime in the country, as fewer people were desperate enough to resort to criminal activities to make a living. Moreover, the workhouses provided some level of education to the children there, teaching them basic literacy and numeracy skills to help them find successful employment in the future.

In conclusion, whilst the workhouse system of the 1800s was extremely controversial and at times harsh, the positive effects it had on British society made a huge difference in reducing poverty and increasing the quality of life of its citizens.