Why did Gladstone describe his first ministry as an era of Liberation?
Gladstone first came into power in 1968 aged 59. He dominated British politics from 1868-1894. Many people said that Gladstone was the Liberal party. Gladstone drove the Liberal party to success therefore he was able to describe his first ministry an era of Liberation.
Gladstone’s first ministry was a success. There was aspects to the Liberal that may have helped/hindered the parties success. Gladstone’s Liberal Party was sectioned into different groups. These groups involved the whigs, Peelites, Radicals, and Liberals. In fact Gladstone also had a rival within the party known as Joseph Chamberlain. Gladstone’s came into power in a time when technology was advancing
The troops from New Zealand, Canada and Australia were withdrawn this meant the countries would now need to create their own Army. Bounty money was abolished and finally the sale of commissions was abolished so you could no longer buy positions in the army. This very much supported Gladstone’s ideology of “By merit and effort not birth” and thus this creates competition and meritocracy among the soldiers. This act was liberating as it made the army more professional overall and also all the soldiers were equal. The idea of meritocracy was taking place as the money could no longer buy positions. Also overall the army was now an effective Imperial force. There was better treatment of the soldiers. Opposition was present against the act. Aristocracy were against the act as it meant that they lost power and influence. Also the senior officers would no longer be able to buy their son’s way into the army.
Along with the army reforms act the Education Act 1870. This act overall was pretty successful. It was immensely significant as it led to the mass elementary education of the English and Welsh population this also produces the first literate generation.. After the passing of the act within the end of the century a largely literate generation had been produced. Also the amount of children educated increased as before the act only 20% of children between 10 and 12 attended school. This act transferred figure in a generation. Also most importantly it vastly increased