Gladstone’s first ministry (1868–74) was defined by a reformist zeal that sought to modernise government, promote fairness across society, and address the persistent “Irish Question.” These years became a crucial period in the development of Gladstonian Liberalism, illustrating both the ambition of Liberal social reform and the difficulties of reconciling different social, political, and national interests.

The Reforming Spirit of Gladstone’s First Ministry

Gladstone’s government reflected the Liberal values of free trade, laissez-faire economics, and administrative competence while also attempting to broaden its electoral base. Following the 1867 Reform Act, new voters entered the political sphere, increasing pressure for governments to appeal to wider social groups. Gladstone believed in what he termed the “mission of pacification,” a philosophy particularly applied to Ireland but also guiding his approach to wider reform.

Domestic Social Reforms in Britain

Between 1868 and 1874, Gladstone and his colleagues introduced a wide array of measures that targeted entrenched privilege and promoted efficiency:

• Education Act 1870 (Forster’s Act)
  Established school boards in areas where voluntary provision was inadequate, marking the first state involvement in elementary education. It aimed to provide schooling for all children between ages 5–13. While significant, the Act faced controversy, particularly from Nonconformists, over religious instruction.

The London School Board in session (c. 1897–99). The elected metropolitan board administered hundreds of schools and large budgets, illustrating how the 1870 Act institutionalised state-supported elementary education. Extra detail: as a later sitting, the date is after 1870, but it accurately depicts an LSB meeting. Source

• Civil Service Reform
  Competitive entry replaced patronage, reflecting Gladstone’s commitment to meritocracy and reducing aristocratic influence.

• Army Reform (Cardwell’s Reforms, 1868–74)

  • Abolition of the purchase of commissions in 1871.

  • Regularisation of enlistment, including short service terms.

  • Localisation of regiments to specific areas.
    These measures modernised the army and created a more professional force.

• Judicature Act 1873
  Simplified the court system by creating the Supreme Court of Judicature, streamlining legal processes and increasing accessibility.

• University Tests Act 1871
  Allowed Nonconformists to hold fellowships and academic posts in Oxford, Cambridge, and Durham universities, reducing Anglican dominance.

Each reform was aimed at removing barriers of privilege and creating a more rational, fair society aligned with Liberal values.

The Irish Question

Ireland presented the greatest challenge to Gladstone’s ministry. Gladstone declared that it was his mission “to pacify Ireland,” acknowledging centuries of resentment and inequality rooted in land tenure, religion, and governance.

Disestablishment of the Church of Ireland (1869)

The Irish Church Act 1869 disestablished the Anglican Church of Ireland, which had been privileged despite representing only a small minority.

This reform ended compulsory tithes to the Anglican Church, addressing Catholic grievances and symbolising recognition of Irish religious diversity.

Irish Land Act 1870

Aimed to address tenant grievances against landlords by:

• Providing limited security of tenure.

• Offering compensation for improvements made by tenants.

• Protecting tenants from arbitrary eviction in certain cases.

While innovative, the Act was limited and landlords often found ways around it. Still, it marked the first significant British attempt to legislate in favour of Irish tenants.

The eviction: a scene from life in Ireland (1871). A contemporary lithograph showing families and belongings outside their cottages after removal by the landlord’s agents. It illustrates why the 1870 Act sought to temper landlord power and protect tenant investment. Source

Education in Ireland

Gladstone also extended elements of the 1870 Education Act to Ireland, although implementation was more contested due to sectarian tensions.

School boards built and ran non-denominational board schools to expand access where voluntary provision was inadequate.

Board School classroom interior with rows of wooden desks, slates, wall charts and a prominent teacher’s desk. This illustrates everyday material culture of elementary schooling promoted by the 1870 settlement. Extra detail: as a museum recreation, fittings reflect c.1900 practice rather than 1870 precisely. Source

Attitudes Towards Ireland

Gladstone’s reforms reflected a sympathetic but cautious Liberal approach:

• He acknowledged long-standing grievances of Irish Catholics and tenants.

• However, he avoided more radical land redistribution, fearing backlash from landlords and English opinion.

• His policies were designed to integrate Ireland more harmoniously into the United Kingdom, rather than granting any form of Home Rule.

Appeal to Different Social Groups

Gladstone’s reforms were strategically designed to appeal to the diverse electorate created by the 1867 Reform Act:

• Working Class:

  • Army reforms, especially the abolition of flogging and purchase of commissions, won working-class approval.

  • Education reforms broadened opportunities for their children.

• Nonconformists and Dissenters:

  • The University Tests Act and Irish Church Act appealed strongly to Nonconformist voters who resented Anglican privilege.

• Irish Catholics and Tenant Farmers:

  • Irish reforms, especially disestablishment and land legislation, directly addressed their concerns.

• Middle Class Liberals:

  • Administrative reforms and civil service modernisation resonated with their belief in efficiency, economy, and fairness.

Despite these broad efforts, Gladstone’s policies also created tensions:

• Nonconformists resented aspects of the 1870 Education Act that allowed Anglican schools to continue receiving state support.

• Irish tenant farmers considered the 1870 Land Act inadequate.

• Conservative elites opposed reforms reducing aristocratic privilege.

The Legacy of 1868–74 Reforms

Gladstone’s first ministry established a reputation for moral earnestness and reforming energy, embedding Liberal values into legislation. His commitment to education, religious equality, and administrative modernisation reflected attempts to balance principle with political strategy. Yet, the incomplete resolution of the Irish Question foreshadowed future instability, while divisions among Nonconformists and other groups contributed to the eventual Liberal defeat in 1874.