This thesis sets out to question many of the presently held views of the Addison Hoasing Act and to set" the Act in its true perspective. It is a~gued that the importance of the Great War on state intervention in housing has been greatly exaggerated. The need for such intervention had already been acknowledged by all political parties by 1914 as were the main principles upon which the 1919 Act was based. As for why so few houses were built during the Addison Act the great difficulties, previously overlooked, faced by local authorities in purchasing suitable building sites are shown. Also stressed are the delays that local authorities found in dealing with the administrative structure set up by the Ministry of Health to oversee the Act. Though implemented to safeguard the Treasury who were committed to foot an unknown bill it became one of the main reasons for the failure of the Addison Act to produce 'homes for heroes' quickly enough to satisfy public demand. The administrative structure is also blamed for the way in which council housing evolved as the instantly recognisable, sou~less estates of the interwar years copied on a grander scale after the Second World. War. The clash of interests generated within the local government/ central government partnership is also shown as a major factor in the delays that dogged building under the Act. The difficulties met by local authorities in finding adequate labour, building materials and finance, stressed by some historians, are re-assessed in the light of this clash. Local authorities are defended against criticism of the way they adapted to the role of bUilder and landlord. They are shown as carrying out a difficult task with vigour, professionalism and a growing sense of civic responsibility and commitment. This commitment is reflected in the little known role they played in the drafting of the following Chamberlain Housing Act. Finally the Addison Act is viewed as an example in the growth of a local government/central government partnership in social welfare provision that began in the mid 19th century.