Disraeli's Ministry Vs. Gladstone

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Both Disraeli’s second ministry and Gladstone’s government from 1868 to 1874 do share similarities, that they both had a relaxed ‘laissez-faire’ approach towards government’s intervention. Much of Disraeli’s legislation was adoptive, rather than compulsory. It facilitated change and improvement, rather than insisting on it. So this seems that his government was less motivated to actually improving the conditions of the working class in Britain. Whereas Gladstone’s ministry was more energetic. To compare both ministries we must look at the reforms and legislations they brought in during their reign. The main criticism of Disraeli’s reforms in terms of helping the state of the working classes is that although he introduced things like the…show more content…
Although these acts were small additions that did try to improve the conditions of the working class, they did seem half-hearted each had their own setbacks. The public health reform act was a step forward but lacked what was truly needed: new medicines, vaccinations, more doctors etc. Though in general the quality of food improved, the adulteration of food continued as the government failed to persuade local authorities to appoint food analysts, and the river pollution act though decreasing some pollution simply failed to achieve what it was initially intended to do, because local authorities didn’t want to charge their local businesses for putting excess waste in the…show more content…
The Merchant Shipping Act of 1876 also improved conditions on ships for seamen. This remains one of the great landmarks of State intervention in helping to secure the safety of a particular group of workers. Sandon’s Education Act attempted to improve school attendance by setting up school attendance committees, but stopped short of compulsory attendance in the fear of alienating the lower class. But this was important because for children to get a job they must have an attendance certificate. There was an underlying reason for this Act which was that forcing children to attend local school was a way of propping up Anglican schools and stopping the spread of non-conformist school boards. However in comparison Gladstone’s policies where more centralised on removing any inequality or discrimination practised on religious grounds. In conclusion most of the Liberal legislation did not do much to improve social or living conditions, though led, for example, to wider access to schooling and the attempt to end intimidation in voting. Much of the Conservative legislation directly affected conditions of working class life. Ultimately weighing all the factors I must say that The Conservative Government of 1874 to 1880 did more than the Liberal Government of 1868 to 1874 to improve the conditions of the working
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