IV.

Evaluation

Gladstone was able to mobilize the idealism of the British public, and he believed that government reform created improvement for all British citizens. He responded to the needs of exploited workers with his reforms by increasing enfranchisement and providing public education, although some historians question whether he really understood the needs of the working classes. Gladstone created a strong Liberal Party, and his governments provided political stability in England for almost three decades. Throughout his career, he was guided by his morality and firm religious beliefs. He distrusted imperialism and decried mistreatment of people throughout the world. He became a leading symbol of the reforming trends of the Victorian Age.