-
Period: to
William Ewart Gladstone
-
Election of Gladstone
Four-time prime minister of Great Britain, Gladstone remained a vigorous campaigner until his death.
Having been persuaded against a career in the Church, Gladstone was elected to Parliament in 1832, as a Tory. -
Having Office
He made his mark from the start and held minor office in Peel's governement of 1834-35. -
His Marriage
In july 1839 he married Catherine. The two maintained a 'rescue' home for prostitues and Gladstone would, famously, trawl London streets at night, trying to persuade prostitues to start a new life. -
Entering Peel's Conservative Cabinet
Although he was slowly moving towards liberalism, in 1843 he entered Peel's Conservative cabinet -
Being Chancellor of the Exchequer
In 1852, he joined Aberdeen's Whig government as Chancellor of the Exchequer, a position he would ultimately hold three times. -
Ending the government
His efforts to extend the franchise failed and ended the government in 1866. -
Liberals' turning back
Two years later, the Liberals were back, with Gladstone in chre. Queen Victoria, who disliked him personally, was forced to ask him to become prime minister. -
Disestablishing Protestant Church
Gladstone began to tackle Ireland's oppressive landlordism and disestablished the Irish Protestant church in 1869. -
His retirement after Defeat
Abroad, he failed to promote disarmament and was caught out by start of the Franco-German War. A heavy defeat in 1874 led to his retirement. It was short-lived. -
Back to active
Turkish brutality in the Balkans brought Galdstone back to active in politics in 1875. -
Campain
His campaing to remove Turkish forces was widely opposed, but a magnificent campaign secured his return to Parliament and a Liberal government in 1880. -
Resignment
Gladstone was both prime minister and chancellor. His failure to rescue General Gordon from Khartoum cost him dearly, his popularity only partially recovered by his firm handling of a dispute with Russia. He resigned in 1885 after a budget defeat. -
Forming third Government
Gladstone formed his third government in 1886, but he was rejected. -
Liberals' victory
After working on campaign, the Liberals won the 1892 election. Gladstone was back. -
Retirement
Being rejected many times, he retired in 1894. -
His Death
He died of cancer in 1898 and was buried in Westminster Abbey.