Description
Book SynopsisThis book traces the often sharply differing perspectives historians have formed with regard to the key incidents in the careers of the two foremost politicians of the Victorian age – Gladstone and Disraeli. Following the parallel careers of both men, it focuses upon a series of contentious questions, ranging from why Disraeli opposed Corn Law repeal in 1846 and Gladstone abandoned his High Tory politics for Peelism, to whether Disraeli was ever an Imperialist and why Gladstone took up the cause of Irish Home Rule. By juxtaposing the contrasting interpretations advocated by historians, it brings home to students how history is a continually evolving subject in which every generation poses new questions, or reformulates answers to old ones – encouraging those studying the subject to realise that history is an ongoing dialogue to which they are called upon to contribute.
Table of ContentsPreface; 1. Gladstone and Disraeli to 1846; 2. Gladstone and Disraeli to 1865; 3. Why Did Disraeli Oversee the Passage of such a Radical Reform Act in 1867?; 4. Gladstone In and Out of Power 1868-1874; 5. Gladstone versus Disraeli 1874-80; 6. Gladstone Alone 1880-1885; 7. Gladstone and Ireland; 8. Gladstone and Disraeli: Ideological Perspectives
