Political developments under Gladstone and Disraeli; extension of the franchise
Gladstone and Disraeli dominated British politics from the 1860s to the 1880s. Both men expanded the right to vote, gradually shifting power away from a small wealthy elite.
Real World
After the 1867 Reform Act created a large urban working-class electorate, both Gladstone and Disraeli rapidly developed party organisations — Gladstone's National Liberal Federation (1877) being the first modern mass party machine in British history.
Exam Focus
Always specify which Reform Act you mean (1867 or 1884) and who passed it — conflating them is a common error that costs marks in narrative and analysis questions.
Essay Framework
Use PEEL to structure every paragraph. Tap each step for guidance and an example.
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