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William Gladstone vs. Benjamin Disrael

William Gladstone vs. Benjamin Disrael. Great Britain: Toward Democracy. The period between 1850 and 1865 saw a realignment of political parties in Britain. The Tory Party was transformed into the Conservative Party under Benjamin Disraeli.

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William Gladstone vs. Benjamin Disrael

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  1. William Gladstone vs. Benjamin Disrael

  2. Great Britain: Toward Democracy • The period between 1850 and 1865 saw a realignment of political parties in Britain. • The Tory Party was transformed into the Conservative Party under Benjamin Disraeli. • The Whig Party was transformed in to the Liberal Party under William Gladstone

  3. Disraeli (Before Prime Minister) Gladstone (Before Prime Minister) Opposed imperialism Supported free trade and repeal of Corn Laws (a chartist demand) Lowered taxes and gov’t spending as finance minister Supported Italian nationalism • Supported aggressive expansion of British Empire • Expressed sympathy for the working class in an 1845 novel, Sybil • Was influenced by John Stuart Mill’s On Liberty, which advocated for increased democracy • Introduced the Reform Bill of 1867 which built on the Reform Bill of 1832. • It nearly doubled the number of men who could voteby lowering monetary requirements (taxes/income) • Wanted to attract workers to the conservative party.

  4. Gladstone (PM – 1868 – 1874) – the liberal Disraeli (PM – 1874 – 1880) – the conservative 1875 – Public Health Act – improved sanitation 1875 – Artisan Dwelling Act – gov’t became involved in providing housing for working class. Reduced gov’t regulation of trade unions *Very paternalistic reforms • 1870 – introduced civil service exams for gov’t positions • Secret ballot (1872) – a chartist demand • Ended compulsory church taxes to support Church of England. • Dropped religious requirements for degrees at Oxford and Cambridge • 1870 Education Act – state is responsible for elementary schools • *reforms were focused on creating a meritocracy and eliminating traditional sources of discontent. Some historians refer to Gladstone’s rule as the apex of “classical British liberalism” because they strengthened the nation through enabling talent to compete fairly.

  5. The Irish Question and Gladstone • Gladstone (liberal) becomes P.M. a 2nd time in 1880 and a 3rd time in 1892. • 3rd Reform Act – 1884 – Gives most male farmers the franchise • However, the dominant domestic issue was the Irish question. Irish self-consciousness increased during the 19th century. • The Irish resented British landlords and their required rents. • Gladstone supported home rule for the Irish, but the issue was defeated in Parliament in 1886 and 1892 • The Irish question split the Liberal Party which endangered social and political reform. The Irish question divided those who agreed on other reforms • A new Labour Party would arise in the absence of leadership on social reforms (social class issues, etc).

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