Gladstone’s First Ministry 1868-74
Background
- Liberal majority 106 over Conservatves and gave clear mandate to implement policies of Gladstonian
Liberalism (administratve efciency, cutng government spending, pursuing free trade and promotng
freedom of individual)
- Gladstone’s cabinet made up of Liberals, Whigs, and Radicals. All Anglican apart from John Bright (non
conformist and Quaker) – at centre was Gladstone, a commited Christan that shaped his politcs
- Vast number of reforms, a mater of debate how they satssed various interests in party and pressure groups
- Pressure groups –
i. The Liberaton Society – wanted disestablishment of the church of England – srmly defeated by
Gladstone
ii. The Natonal Educaton League – campaigned for free compulsory educaton in State schools (inc
Joseph Chamberlain) dissatsfacton with Educaton Act caused potental division
iii. The United Kingdom Alliance 1852 – temperance movement based in Manchester and sought to
outlaw sale of alcohol. Regarded Licensing Act a partal success
Domestic Policies - The Reforms
1870 The Forster Educaton Act –
- Schools had been run by church groups with inadequate government grant since 1830’s. There were not
enough for growing populaton and expanding towns. Following 1867 reform it was in government best
interest to educate electorate. G believed it would bring economic advantage in long term by creatng with
technical and vocatonal skills to help with internatonal compettveness.
- Country divided into school districts, Board schools (5-12) set up to replace voluntary schools, school boards
set up to run them and had autonomy over atendance and fees (had to pay fees for poor children),
atendance to religious lessons voluntary
- Disputes over whether religion should be taught or denominatonal schools should contnue – Non-
conformist saw as threat to religious equality and felt let down. Led to Liberal by-electon losses – helped to
destroy government
- Girls could not atend schools
Civil Service laws –
- Allowed men from ordinary backgrounds a chance for a steady career and comfortable standard of living –
won approval of middle class. Principle of compettve examinaton established, brought in candidates with
intellect and ability and improved professionalism and efciency at minimal cost to government
- Army Enlistment Act 1870 – Act changed 12 yr services to 6 yr actve service to 6 yr reserve and beter
organisaton of army.
- Existng system based on entrely on privilege and seen as preserve of aristocracy. Wealthy families bought
their sons commissions as ofcers which could be sold to highest bidder – ofen lacked military skill and
intelligence. Needed to be improved due to threat of Germany with its professional sghtng force. Abolished
system of purchased commissions – atacked belief of society = furious oppositon from House of Lords and
Queen but eventually passed in 1871
- Judicature Act 1873 – aimed to simplify Britsh legal system by unitng several major courts into supreme
court – more organised
- Trade Union Act 1871- working class stll supported Liberals but soon turned to anger. Act established legal
right of unions to hold property and funds and the right to strike. Criminal Law Amendment passed
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Background
- Liberal majority 106 over Conservatves and gave clear mandate to implement policies of Gladstonian
Liberalism (administratve efciency, cutng government spending, pursuing free trade and promotng
freedom of individual)
- Gladstone’s cabinet made up of Liberals, Whigs, and Radicals. All Anglican apart from John Bright (non
conformist and Quaker) – at centre was Gladstone, a commited Christan that shaped his politcs
- Vast number of reforms, a mater of debate how they satssed various interests in party and pressure groups
- Pressure groups –
i. The Liberaton Society – wanted disestablishment of the church of England – srmly defeated by
Gladstone
ii. The Natonal Educaton League – campaigned for free compulsory educaton in State schools (inc
Joseph Chamberlain) dissatsfacton with Educaton Act caused potental division
iii. The United Kingdom Alliance 1852 – temperance movement based in Manchester and sought to
outlaw sale of alcohol. Regarded Licensing Act a partal success
Domestic Policies - The Reforms
1870 The Forster Educaton Act –
- Schools had been run by church groups with inadequate government grant since 1830’s. There were not
enough for growing populaton and expanding towns. Following 1867 reform it was in government best
interest to educate electorate. G believed it would bring economic advantage in long term by creatng with
technical and vocatonal skills to help with internatonal compettveness.
- Country divided into school districts, Board schools (5-12) set up to replace voluntary schools, school boards
set up to run them and had autonomy over atendance and fees (had to pay fees for poor children),
atendance to religious lessons voluntary
- Disputes over whether religion should be taught or denominatonal schools should contnue – Non-
conformist saw as threat to religious equality and felt let down. Led to Liberal by-electon losses – helped to
destroy government
- Girls could not atend schools
Civil Service laws –
- Allowed men from ordinary backgrounds a chance for a steady career and comfortable standard of living –
won approval of middle class. Principle of compettve examinaton established, brought in candidates with
intellect and ability and improved professionalism and efciency at minimal cost to government
- Army Enlistment Act 1870 – Act changed 12 yr services to 6 yr actve service to 6 yr reserve and beter
organisaton of army.
- Existng system based on entrely on privilege and seen as preserve of aristocracy. Wealthy families bought
their sons commissions as ofcers which could be sold to highest bidder – ofen lacked military skill and
intelligence. Needed to be improved due to threat of Germany with its professional sghtng force. Abolished
system of purchased commissions – atacked belief of society = furious oppositon from House of Lords and
Queen but eventually passed in 1871
- Judicature Act 1873 – aimed to simplify Britsh legal system by unitng several major courts into supreme
court – more organised
- Trade Union Act 1871- working class stll supported Liberals but soon turned to anger. Act established legal
right of unions to hold property and funds and the right to strike. Criminal Law Amendment passed
1|Page
