William Gladstone

William Gladstone William Gladstone was a four time Prime Minister whose impact on society had to do with the fact that he did not always do the most popular things. His controversial stances on several issues including Home Rule for Ireland, Irish Land Acts, prostitution, opportunity for the underprivileged classes and atrocities against the Turkish people were key components to his contributions to our world then and now. William Gladstone was one of the most dominant political figures of the Victorian Era. His passion for those he perceived to be persecuted and underprivileged resulted in an up and down political career. However, despite being in and out of office, he remained constant in his views and passionate about causes in which he believed strongly. Home Rule for Ireland is a cause for William Gladstone is very well known. It was after a trip to Naples, Italy in the 1850’s where he saw a lot of poverty that his views changed from Conservative to Liberal. He was able to pass the first Irish Land Act enabling evicted Irish farmers to be paid for work they had done on the land. Although not very effective, it was considered a symbolic act on behalf of the authority for those who had previously been ignored. In addition, Gladstone disestablished the Irish Protestant Church which ended the Irish farmers paying tithes to the Church. Both of these acts were huge in moving Ireland toward its ultimate independence from Britain. In his second term as Prime Minister, Gladstone did not fare too well and he ultimately resigned after his budget was defeated. However, he was ultimately re-elected for a third and fourth term. His third and fourth terms were again dominated by Home Rule for Ireland activities. He also focused on enlightened reforms such as enabling the underprivileged classes to be allowed to serve in the military and civil service. This was radical thinking at the time, generally thought to be result of his religious convictions and strong