Changes

However, not all of the new legislation was popular with the voting public. Gladstone was defeated in the 1874 general election by his political rival Disraeli, and soon after resigned as Liberal leader. However, Disraeli’s aggressive foreign policy (particularly in the Near East) spurred Gladstone back into frontline politics as he launched an extensive campaign against the Conservative government, (known as the ‘Midlothian Campaign’) in 1879 and 1880.

However, not all of the new legislation was popular with the voting public. Gladstone was defeated in the 1874 general election by his political rival Disraeli, and soon after resigned as Liberal leader. However, Disraeli’s aggressive foreign policy (particularly in the Near East) spurred Gladstone back into frontline politics as he launched an extensive campaign against the Conservative government, (known as the ‘Midlothian Campaign’) in 1879 and 1880.

==1880 - 1898==

==Later Years==

The Liberal party won the 1880 general election and Gladstone resumed his position as Prime Minister. He set about disengaging Britain from a series of colonial wars and passed the 1884 Reform Act, which further extended the franchise. However, this government was to become known as the ‘Ministry of Troubles’, with problems both at home and abroad. He was forced to resign in 1885 after the death of General Gordon in Khartoum, for which Gladstone was held indirectly responsible.

The Liberal party won the 1880 general election and Gladstone resumed his position as Prime Minister. He set about disengaging Britain from a series of colonial wars and passed the 1884 Reform Act, which further extended the franchise. However, this government was to become known as the ‘Ministry of Troubles’, with problems both at home and abroad. He was forced to resign in 1885 after the death of General Gordon in Khartoum, for which Gladstone was held indirectly responsible.