Gladstone's Ideology and Political Reform

These flashcards cover key concepts of Gladstone's ideology, the 1872 Ballot Act, and the impacts of the reform on the political landscape.

What was Gladstone's ideology regarding political reform?

Gladstone believed in 'peace, retrenchment, and reform' and saw political reform as a moral duty instead of a revolutionary change.

What was the primary aim of Gladstone's political reforms?

To create a meritocratic system where voting rights were based on individual responsibility and work effort.

What did the 1872 Ballot Act introduce?

The 1872 Ballot Act introduced the secret ballot.

What was one positive effect of the secret ballot?

It made voting private, reducing intimidation from landlords and employers.

How did the secret ballot weaken elite control?

By ensuring that voting was private, it reduced the influence of landlords and employers on voters.

What were some negative effects of the secret ballot?

Bribery still occurred indirectly; politics/voting became less engaging.

Why did many English tenants still follow their landlords' wishes despite the secret ballot?

Many English tenants were still happy to follow the wishes of their landlords, indicating a lack of independent voting.