The problems of the liberal party

The problems of the liberal party

What caused a split in the liberal party in 1886

Gladstones home rule bill

What damaged gladstones reputation

-Ignored that many liberals were as much against home rule as he was for it

-obsession with Ireland led to neglect of any meaningful programme of social reform

Home rule and the liberal party split

Joseph chamberlain, the talented radical left the party over it. Lord Harrington, former secretary for India and a group of Whigs also split, those that left called themselves liberal unionists and by 1895 these liberals were all absorbed into the Conservative Party

Divisions over social reform

There were ideological tensions between old lassiez faire liberals and new radicals like chamberlain. He thought Gladstone was out of touch with the electorate and it was time for welfare policy to tackle poverty among the unskilled working class

Attitudes to imperialism

It was popular in the 1880s and quite a few liberals liked this idea. There was unhappiness with the lack of engagement to the new popular mood and a group within the liberals styled themselves liberal imperialists. Relationships soured with those who disagreed

Personal tensions

Antipathy between Gladstone and chamberlain was deep seated. If Gladstone had overcome personal prejudices and rewarded chamberlain with a good cabinet position, the outcome may have been different

Leadership changes

Gladstone resigned for the final time in 1894. His successor was Lord Rosebery. He was inexperienced and liberals suffered a crushing defeat in 1895. They didn't appeal to working classes. In 1898 they appointed Bannerman, for as long as Salisbury was conservative leader, Bannerman was no match