Fear; self-interest; economic imperative; progressive responses to social change. Which of these, if any, drove the Victorian ruling class towards creating a sanitary, democratic, and meritocratic state by 1901?

For this assignment you will be asked to research and write an essay on the following question:

Fear; self-interest; economic imperative; progressive responses to social change. Which of these, if any, drove the Victorian ruling class towards creating a sanitary, democratic, and meritocratic state by 1901?

Please ensure that you:
Analyse the following, rather than just describe
[How and why, as well as what]:

oThe various social and political changes occurring over the mid-to-late 19th Century, and how these influenced the attitudes of the ruling class

oThe changing nature and composition of the ruling class of England, and their sources of inspiration