William Ewart Gladstone

As a minister in Sir Robert Peel's government, Gladstone supported the repeal of tariffs on imported grain. The repeal lowered food prices and marked a shift toward free trade, though it split the Conservative Party.

Gladstone's government passed the Elementary Education Act, establishing school boards and providing state-funded elementary education in England and Wales. The act laid the foundation for universal primary education.

Gladstone conducted a series of public speeches in Midlothian, Scotland, attacking the foreign policy of Benjamin Disraeli's government. The campaign is considered the first modern political campaign, using mass rallies and media to sway public opinion.

Gladstone's government extended the franchise to agricultural laborers and others in rural areas, standardizing the voting qualification across counties and boroughs. The act added about two million men to the electorate.

Gladstone introduced the Government of Ireland Bill in the House of Commons, proposing a devolved parliament in Dublin. The bill split the Liberal Party and was defeated in the Commons, leading to the fall of his second government.

Gladstone introduced a second Home Rule Bill, which passed the House of Commons but was rejected by the House of Lords. The defeat demonstrated the Lords' veto power and delayed Irish self-government for decades.

Gladstone resigned as Prime Minister after the House of Lords defeated his budget proposal, which included increased death duties. His resignation ended his fourth and final premiership, and he was succeeded by Lord Rosebery.