'Gladstone's first government was a "great reforming institution". With reference to Gladstonian liberalism how far do you agree with this statement?

... History Essay: Gladstonian liberalism And reforms 'Gladstone's first government was a "great reforming institution". With reference to Gladstonian liberalism how far do you agree with this statement? We must first of all consider what kind of a person Gladstone was to the reasons he made these reforms. Gladstone was a very committed and educated Anglican Christian (he even considered in his youth joining the clergy). A problem, as he saw it throughout his life, was how the British Church preached Christian principles that did not always come into agreement with the British church itself. His support for the Christian ideals of liberalism and equality would always associate with his political ideals. He believed that Politics was the means of carrying out God's will. In his first period of office Gladstone was on his way from the Right to the Left. Still confused nevertheless. His shift in 'political wings' was probably due to the

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