The Differences of Gladstone And Disraeli In Their Policies Regarding The British Empire and Foreign Policy
Gladstone and Disraeli generally had very different policies regarding
the British Empire and foreign policy. Disraeli tended to shape his
policies in regards to what is in the best interests of Britain and
her empire. Gladstone was a man who followed his principles and
Christian ethics; his foreign policy was an example of his beliefs in
practice, as it tended to be humanitarian, measured and showed
consideration to other nations. However there were instances where
the two bitter rivals overlapped with their actions.
There were a number of imperial and foreign issues throughout the
ministries of Gladstone and Disraeli. A foreign issue that turned
into a major difference between Gladstone and Disraeli was over the
Bulgarian horrors of the mid 1870’s, which resided within the Eastern
question. The issue of the Bulgarian horrors was one of relatively
small importance but had important, wide-ranging connotations, which
could affect Europe and also provided a platform for Gladstone and
Disraeli to continue their rivalry.
In 1875 it emerged that the Turks massacred 12,000 Christians from
Bulgaria, which was part of the Ottoman Empire. This issue raised
questions over how Britain intended to keep peace in Europe and
allowed them to reassess their allegiances in Eastern Europe.
Britain’s main concern during this period was Russia. It was seen as
a problem before this time and continued to be so afterwards. Britain
has always been wary of Russia expanding further into Europe and
becoming too dominant. Britain and other ...
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differences which outweighed their similarities, Gladstone
concentrated on long term solutions, was internationally minded and
promoted his ethical side, whereas Disraeli was the reverse of these.
Both men were mavericks and had little loyalty to their parties. It
would be fair to say that in opposition and when speaking about one
another they were outspoken and highly critical. However once in
government they both got caught in the fervour of imperial strength
and might, this brings us to Lord Acton’s famous saying that “power
corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely”, which claimed
Gladstone as a victim as although he was a very principled, ethical
and religious man when in power these were occasionally pushed to the
side in place of the same political advantage and one-upmanship that
Disraeli used.
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