Assess the view that Gladstones liberalism was the dominant force behind the domestic legislation of his ministry

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British History : Gladstone                Tiffany Wong        

                

Assess the view that Gladstone’s liberalism was the dominant force behind the domestic legislation of his ministry.

Gladstone’s version of Liberalism was built up over a long period and consisted of a variety of influences with the underlying religious impact. Gladstone combined a profound belief in Christian morality with a sense of mission. The result has been described as an ‘equation of private morality with public action’, to an extent unequalled by any of his contemporaries, resulting in a serious of domestic legislation.  A major series of changes concerning not only Ireland and the introduction of the secret ballot, but also education, social reform, public houses, and legislation concerning prominent institutions in the country such as the army, the law, the universities, the civil services, local government and Trade unions in his first ministry 1868-74.

Gladstonian Liberalism contained a belief in the inherent ‘goodness’ of the masses, by comparison with the increasing selfishness of the governing classes. Impressed by the moderation shown by the cotton operatives in Lancashire despite the hardships they suffered during the American civil war, he argue that they should be entrusted with greater political responsibility. ‘Every man, who is not presumably incapacitated by some consideration of personal unfitness or of political danger, is morally entitled to come within the pale of the constitution’. He was in favour of extending the franchise for this reason; and his liberalism had caused him to be closely involved in the reform proposals of 1866 and 1884 hence contribute to the domestic legislation of his ministry.

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The belief in the inherent ‘goodness’ of the masses persevered on to political power, which was seen as a trust which was to be carried out on behalf of, and for the benefit of, the masses. Gladstone’s Liberal ideas developed in previous years were reflected in his dislike in privilege and entrenched corruption, which he was prepared to sweep away wherever it manifested itself. This necessitated administrative efficiency and the elimination of waste through financial stringency.

Socially, given the difficulties and complexities of different matters, the 1870 Education Act was immensely significant as it produced a largely ...

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