Later Stages of Queen Victoria's Reign
One of the most important political events during Queen Victoria's reign was the legislation for electoral reform. The Reform Act of 1867 was passed by the Lord Derby ministry, thereby starting a whole new chapter in British politics. In 1868, a Conservative named Benjamin Disraeli became the new Prime Minister, but his ministry was short-lived. William Ewart Gladstone of the Liberal Party replaced him in the office, but he was always at loggerhead with the Queen. In the meantime, Victoria was slowly but surely coming out of her self - imposed political moratorium and becoming more active in public life.
Disraeli came to power again in 1874 and soon he was to become Victoria's favourite Prime Minister. By then, an imperialist sentiment was gaining endorsement by many and as a result, the Royal Titles Act 1876 was enacted. Through this act, the Queen was now given the title "Empress of India". But she was not only the Empress of India as her empire also included Canada, Australia, India, New Zealand, and large parts of Africa. Victoria was greatly satisfied with Disraeli and she rewarded the Prime Minister with Earldom while he was still in office, an unprecedented gesture indeed. However, Disraeli lost the general election in 1880 and Gladstone returned to power. His conflict with the Queen resumed again and amid Victoria's will, his government passed the Representation of the People Act 1884. But when Gladstone introduced the Irish Home Rule Bill in 1886, in order to grant a separate legislature to Ireland, it was out rightly rejected not only by the Queen but also by members of the House of Commons. Under the circumstances, Gladstone had to leave his office and Queen Victoria called the Marques of Salisbury to form a new ministry. Lord Salisbury remained in power for twelve of the last fifteen years of her reign.
By this time the popularity of the monarchy reached dizzy heights and in 1887 Victoria celebrated the Golden Jubilee of her coronation to the throne. Many royals were invited to attend the banquet but it was somewhat marred by The Jubilee Plot, a plan by Irish freedom fighters to blow up the Westminster Abbey which was timely discovered. Victoria had to endure the Gladstone factor again when he returned to office in 1892. But as was previously done, this time too his Irish Home Rule Bill was defeated in the house and he went to retirement in 1894. He was succeeded by Lord Rosebery who was again replaced by Lord Salisbury in 1895. He remained in power till the Queen died.
Original Authors: Bishal Chakma
Edit Update Authors: M.A.Harris
Updated On: 23/07/2008
