beholding the ideas of the new age appeared on political scene. Men who from conviction or

the need of votes for their parties were disposed to fulfill some demands for political reform.

The two great political leaders who dominated this era were William Ewart Gladstone and

Benjamin Disraeli. Their different views helped guide England along the way to a form of

Although the notoriety of most British prime ministers is short-lived, both

Gladstone and Disraeli have never been forgotten. Disraeli, who began as a Liberal, eventually

made his way to leadership in the Conservative (Tory) Party, while Gladstone, beginning as a

Conservative, later on became the leader of the Liberal Party (Whigs). Both men were great

speakers and parliamentarians, but while Disraeli was good with words, Gladstone was

insensitive to the demands of style. The differences between the two men struck a strong feeling

During the course of the nineteenth century, power swayed back and forth

however, Disraeli again became prime minister. During his six years he passed many acts for the

party: the maintenance of the Established Church and the aristocracy, the development of the

favored the Liberals in 1880 and Gladstone returned to power. His most importan achievement

examinations, the Army Reform (1871) which opened officers' positions to merit, and the Ballot

of his second ministry was the Reform Bill of 1884. This bill gave the vote to the agricultural

many reforms in the six years he remained in office. These reforms included the Civil Service

welfare of the working class. The Artisans' Dwelling Act improved housing to prevent sailors

champion of democracy and liberty. Disraeli on the other hand succeeded in lifting himself by

Liberals were returned to Parliament, and Gladstone became Prime Minister. He brought along

Some common words found in the essay are:
Reform Bill, Party Whigs, Liberal Party, Education Bill, , Disraeli Conservative, Gladstone Disraeli, Disraeli Britain, Benjamin Disraeli, Established Church, gladstone disraeli, nineteenth century, liberal party, reform bill, prime minister, passed acts, civil service, conservative party,
Approximate Word count = 703
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)