Changes

==Principles==

==Principles==

* Gladstone believed in the ‘laissez-faire’ philosophy that good government does not interfere much in the affairs of individuals. His thrifty personal habits were reflected in his role as Chancellor of the Exchequer. He saw excess government expenditure as ‘a great moral evil’.

* Gladstone believed in the ‘[[Laissez faire|laissez-faire]]’ philosophy that good government does not interfere much in the affairs of individuals. His thrifty personal habits were reflected in his role as [[Chancellor of the Exchequer]]. He saw excess government expenditure as ‘a great moral evil’.

* He was opposed to war and despised the cost of military activity, reminding parliament that he ‘uniformly opposed militarism’ throughout his career.

* He was opposed to war and despised the cost of military activity, reminding parliament that he ‘uniformly opposed [[militarism]]’ throughout his career.

* Was a firm supporter of free trade, believing that international peace and domestic prosperity could best be maintained by removing barriers to reciprocal trade between nations.

* Was a firm supporter of [[free trade]], believing that international peace and domestic prosperity could best be maintained by removing barriers to reciprocal trade between nations.

* Believed that success was the result of hard work and that failure showed a lack of moral spirit. He therefore believed that the poor should help themselves to alleviate their own condition.

* Believed that success was the result of hard work and that failure showed a lack of moral spirit. He therefore believed that the poor should help themselves to alleviate their own condition.

* Gladstone never believed in democracy, stating: ‘I am a firm believer in the aristocratic principle – the rule of the best.’ He campaigned against universal male suffrage, believing that only those who could be trusted with the vote should be allowed to.

* Gladstone never believed in [[democracy]], stating: ‘I am a firm believer in the [[aristocracy|aristocratic]] principle – the rule of the best.’ He campaigned against universal male suffrage, believing that only those who could be trusted with the vote should be allowed to.

* A strong supporter of the British monarchy, despite Queen Victoria’s resentment of him. She never liked his serious demeanour, and complained: "He always addresses me as if I were a public meeting."

* A strong supporter of the British [[monarchy]], despite [[Queen Victoria|Queen Victoria’s]] resentment of him. She never liked his serious demeanour, and complained: "He always addresses me as if I were a public meeting."

* Described himself as a ‘man in politics’ rather than a politician. He only wanted to do useful work for the good of the country and could never understand his popularity.

* Described himself as a ‘man in politics’ rather than a politician. He only wanted to do useful work for the good of the country and could never understand his popularity.