Prime Minister (19th Century), Part 5

1868-1902: William E. Gladstone, Benjamin Disraeli, the Marquess of Salisbury, the Earl of Rosebery

Disraeli was followed in 1868 by maybe the most important politician in the second half of that century. It was William E. Gladstone (1809-98) who had begun his career as a Tory (1832-65) and had several posts under PM´s Peel, Aberdeen, Palmerston, and Russell, then "converted" to the Liberals (1865- 95) and became Prime Minister himself. He served in this office four times, more often than anyone else, from 1868-74, 80-85, 86, and 92- 94. He was successful with many liberal reforms, even though he wasn´t able to give Independence to Ireland (despite several attempts); this didn´t happen until PM David Lloyd George when "Free Ireland" and Northern Ireland (British until this day) were separated in 1920. 

Between two of Gladstone´s terms, Benjamin Disraeli, who was created "Earl Beaconsfield" in 1876, served again 1874-80.

In between, there was the 3rd Marquess of Salisbury (1830-1903, born Robert Cecil, a descendant of the two important Secretaries of State of Queen Elizabeth I., William and Robert Cecil). Salisbury had important posts in several Tory-governments already (like foreign-secretary 1878-85). He was PM 1885-86, 86-92, and 1895-1902, until 1900 his own foreign-secretary as well. Salisbury, another special favourite of Queen Victoria, was in office when she celebrated her 50th and 60th anniversary on the throne.

The last PM who will get a short description here is the 5th Earl of Rosebery (1847-1929). He was a Liberal member in Gladstone´s cabinets, a popular politician and member of the society. While he failed to keep his own cabinet together when he was PM 1894/95, his racehorses won the derby in these years. He was also a writer and, a.o., wrote in 1910 "I always detested politics".

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