British Liberalism

In the end of the 19^th century, Liberalism was dominated by one man’s ideals and ambitions: William Gladstone.

The very identity and purpose of the Victorian Liberal party has been in debate, with some arguing that there wasn’t really a consensus at all and others arguing quite on the contrary.

The affiliation with the working class gave the Liberals a certain socialist characteristic. Religion presented Gladstone with a strong sense of tradition which he believed was diminishing in England at the time and it also allowed him to sympathise with the Irish Catholics, who were being persecuted for their religious beliefs.

Also, as well as the Irish Home Rule being promoted by the Liberal party so was basic decentralisation of the national government. The moral implication of religion provided Gladstone with a responsibility to reform the educational situation along with the need to educate more children as it became apparent that the franchise would be increased to include them.

Gladstonian Liberalism was dominated by democratic intentions that placed importance on religion, decentralisation, finance and peace.