Assess the reasons for Gladstone’s popularity amongst the working class.
Level
A Level
Year Examined
2021
Topic
Liberals, Conservatives and the rise of Labour 1846-1918
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Assess the reasons for Gladstone’s popularity amongst the working class.
Gladstone’s Popularity Among the Working Class: A Complex Relationship
The relationship between William Gladstone and the working class was complex and multi-faceted. While he was often referred to as "the People's William," reflecting a certain level of popularity, his policies and actions were not always met with universal acclaim. To understand this complex relationship, it is essential to consider both the factors that contributed to his perceived popularity and those that generated opposition from sections of the working class.
Factors Contributing to Gladstone’s Popularity
Trade Union Recognition: Gladstone's government passed the Trade Union Act of 1871, which granted legal recognition to trade unions and protected their funds. This legislation marked a significant step towards empowering the working class, allowing them to organize and pursue their interests more effectively. It was seen as a major victory for the trade union movement, which contributed to Gladstone's popularity among working-class voters.
Education Reform: The Elementary Education Act of 1870, enacted during Gladstone's first ministry, established a system of free, compulsory education for children aged 5 to 13. This reform significantly improved the prospects for working-class children, especially girls, by providing them access to education and enhancing their future opportunities. Gladstone's commitment to education was recognized as a step towards social progress, contributing to his appeal among a segment of the working class.
Military Reforms: Gladstone's government made significant changes to the British Army, abolishing flogging and restructuring the system of battalions. These measures aimed to make military service more attractive for working-class men, improving their conditions and reducing harsh punishments. While not universally popular, these reforms were widely seen as beneficial, contributing to Gladstone's perceived support among the working class.
Free Trade Policies: Gladstone was a staunch advocate of free trade, and his policies, such as the repeal of the Corn Laws, aimed to reduce the cost of basic necessities for the working class. Free trade policies were seen as beneficial to the working class, although their impact was not always immediate or universally felt.
Challenges to Gladstone's Popularity
Opposition to Picketing: Despite his support for trade unions, Gladstone’s government upheld the legality of injunctions against picketing. This stance caused resentment among some working-class groups who felt that their right to protest was being undermined. This issue marked a disconnect between Gladstone's policies and the perceived needs of certain segments of the working class.
Discontent over Foreign Policy: Gladstone's foreign policy decisions, particularly his handling of the Russian breach of the Black Sea treaty and his perceived inaction during the Bulgarian Horrors, generated criticism from sections of the working class. These events highlighted the disparity between his liberal ideals and the perceived realities of foreign policy, potentially undermining his popularity among certain segments of the working class.
The Licensing Act: The Licensing Act of 1872, which aimed to regulate the sale of alcohol, was unpopular among a segment of the working class who saw it as an infringement on their freedoms. This unpopular measure contributed to the Liberal defeat in the 1874 election, highlighting the potential for unpopular policies to damage Gladstone's support among working-class voters.
Neglect of Social Issues: Gladstone's focus on liberal reforms such as education and trade unions did not always extend to social issues such as housing and public health. This neglect was particularly evident in the contrast with Disraeli's policies, which addressed these very issues, appealing to a broader segment of the working class. Gladstone's perceived neglect of these pressing social issues potentially limited his appeal among working-class voters concerned with these pressing issues.
Conclusion
The relationship between Gladstone and the working class was complex and nuanced. While he was seen by some as a champion of the working class, his policies were not universally popular. Some working-class groups appreciated his commitment to trade union rights, education, and military reforms, while others criticized his foreign policy decisions, his stance on picketing, and his perceived neglect of social issues. Ultimately, Gladstone's popularity within the working class was a product of a complex interplay of factors, where his actions and policies were interpreted differently by different groups within this diverse segment of society.
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Assess the reasons for Gladstone’s popularity amongst the working class.
Introduction
- Briefly introduce William Ewart Gladstone and his position as a prominent Liberal figure in the 19th century.
- Acknowledge the historiographical debate surrounding Gladstone's relationship with the working class.
- Briefly outline the key arguments for and against his popularity within this demographic.
- State the essay's aim to assess the extent of Gladstone's popularity amongst the working class.
Arguments for Gladstone’s Popularity:
"The People's William"
- Explain the origins of this nickname and how it reflected Gladstone's image as a man of the people.
- Analyze the significance of this image in cultivating a sense of connection between Gladstone and the working class.
Trade Union Legislation (1871)
- Detail the provisions of the Trade Union Act of 1871 and its impact on the legal status of trade unions.
- Explain how this Act directly benefited the working class by protecting their right to organize and collectively bargain.
- Consider how this legislation contributed to Gladstone's reputation as a supporter of workers' rights.
Education Reform and the Elementary Education Act (1870)
- Outline the state of education before the Act and the lack of access for working-class children.
- Explain the key provisions of the 1870 Act and its impact on expanding educational opportunities for the working class.
- Analyze the long-term benefits this provided to working-class families and social mobility.
- Consider potential limitations or criticisms of the act, such as the continued existence of fees in some schools.
Army Reforms
- Describe the harsh conditions within the British Army during this period.
- Explain the reforms introduced by Gladstone's government, including the abolition of flogging and the Cardwell Reforms.
- Analyze the significance of these reforms for working-class men who served in the army or might be subject to conscription.
Free Trade and its Perceived Benefits
- Detail Gladstone's commitment to free trade, including his role in the repeal of the Corn Laws.
- Explain how free trade policies were argued to lower the cost of living, especially for working-class families.
- Consider any counter-arguments or limitations to this claim, acknowledging groups who might have been negatively impacted by free trade.
Arguments Against Gladstone's Popularity:
Anti-Union Actions
- Discuss instances where Gladstone's government took action against striking workers or upheld laws perceived as anti-union.
- Provide specific examples, such as the Criminal Law Amendment Act (1871)
- Analyze the impact of these actions on Gladstone's standing with the working class.
Foreign Policy Controversies
- Identify specific foreign policy decisions or events that generated criticism of Gladstone, such as the handling of the Bulgarian Horrors or the death of General Gordon in Khartoum.
- Explain how these events were perceived by the working class and why they might have damaged Gladstone's popularity.
Domestic Policies and Social Reform
- Discuss areas where Gladstone's government might have been perceived as neglecting the needs of the working class.
- Mention the Licensing Act of 1872 and potential criticisms from different groups.
- Compare Gladstone's social reform record to Disraeli's, particularly in areas like housing and public health.
- Analyze whether a lack of focus on certain social issues impacted his popularity.
Conclusion
- Provide a balanced summary of the evidence presented, weighing both the arguments for and against Gladstone's popularity amongst the working class.
- Offer a nuanced conclusion about the complexities of his relationship with this demographic.
- Avoid definitive statements about his universal popularity or unpopularity, acknowledging variations within the working class and over time.
- Suggest potential avenues for further research or consideration.
Extracts from Mark Schemes
Was Gladstone popular with the working class?
Answers that Gladstone was popular amongst the working class might state that he was affectionately known as ‘the People’s William’. They might also consider the legislation of 1871, giving trade unions legal status and protection of funds. They might also argue that the introduction of elementary schools gave working class children, especially girls, a chance of education. They might also argue that he made service in the Army more attractive by abolishing flogging and restructuring the system of battalions. They may also argue that Gladstone’s support of free trade (repeal of the Corn Laws and other measures when Chancellor) benefitted the working class.
Answers that Gladstone was not popular amongst the working class might argue that Gladstone upheld the law against picketing. They might also discuss the popular reaction to the death of Gordon at Khartoum. They might also discuss foreign policy: the Russian breach of the Black Sea treaty, the settlement of the Alabama incident and his stance on the Bulgarian Horrors. They might also explain that the Licensing Act of 1872 was unpopular and a contributory cause of the Liberal defeat in 1874. They might also argue that he did not tackle social issues such as housing and public health, leaving that to Disraeli.