24
edits
Changes
Jump to navigation
Jump to search
Line 45:
Line 45: + + + + + + + + + + + +
no edit summary
Another aspect of Gladstone’s religious mission was his work in rescuing [[prostitution|prostitutes]] from the [[London]] streets. He would aim to find them alternative employment and rehabilitate them back into mainstream society. His work was seen as controversial and criticised by many, but he continued this practice with the full support of his wife even when he was [[Prime Minister]].
Another aspect of Gladstone’s religious mission was his work in rescuing [[prostitution|prostitutes]] from the [[London]] streets. He would aim to find them alternative employment and rehabilitate them back into mainstream society. His work was seen as controversial and criticised by many, but he continued this practice with the full support of his wife even when he was [[Prime Minister]].
==Gladstone on the American Constitution==
Originally, Gladstone had held a strong prejudice against Americans, calling them ‘a dishonest, unprincipled people’ in 1844. He was especially critical of the money-grabbing Northern Yankee tradesmen and farmers, and shared the prejudiced view of the English upper-class that the Southern planters, with their cultivated drawl, were the closest thing [[America]] had to gentlemen.
However, he did not believe that a permanent division of the [[United States of America|American Union]] would be in Britain’s best interests, and the violence of the [[American Civil War|Civil War]] sickened him. He believed that the North would never be able to restore the Union by force, and was prepared to offer diplomatic recognition to the [[Confederate States of America|Southern Confederacy]] if they prevailed.
In October 1862, Gladstone caused controversy by uttering the words: ''“There is no doubt that [[Jefferson Davis]], and other leaders of the South have made an army. They are making, it appears, a Navy. And they have made – what is more than either – they have made a Nation.”''
Gladstone shocked his Liberal colleagues by appearing to support the [[Confederate States of America|Southern Confederacy]]. John Bright commented: 'He is for union and freedom in Italy, and for disunion and bondage in America!' Gladstone detested [[slavery]], but saw no point in denouncing it when he believed the anti-slavery cause was lost.
His unguarded comment caused some harm to Anglo-American relations for many years, but the unexpected victory of the Northern States had an important effect on Gladstone’s outlook. His prejudice slowly disappeared, and eventually came to regard American democracy as one of humanity’s supreme achievements. He later described the [[United States Constitution|American Constitution]] as: 'the most wonderful work ever struck off at a given time by the brain and purpose of man.'
==Biographies==
==Biographies==