1870---Education Act of 1870, the British Govt took over responsibility for running elementary schools. they'd be public. BEFORE, the Anglican church ran them. Education would be a defense from threats to democracy from "an illiterate citizenry." The uneducated can be controlled, fooled, tricked. An educated person, an enlightened person can be a "problem" for the systems of control. 

 

The franchise has proven a "dangerous" proposition for conservatives and their sense of tradition. The "mob" or the PEOPLE should be restricted regarding their voice-the franchise. In England (#englandisdifferent) economic liberalism and steady reforms had(and WAS) creating a nice new middle class as well as giving some level of $$ and even "respectability" to the working class. They wanted a voice. Now. Democracy was coming!! Conservative MP (member of Parliament) Bejamin Disraeli introduced legislation that would expand the franchise. He was conservative. WHY, based on his political ideology would he ever want to expand the franchise!? He was thinking LONG TERM. Change was happening, it was clear and in England (liberal, "free", #englandisdifferent) it was indeed inevitable. For Disraeli, it was wise to be at the forefront of this change. Those who benefited from the expanded franchise (England was growing and more people were enjoying the fruits on liberalism--economic liberalism)  would be grateful for the conservative actions. The new suburban folks, folks who moved away from the city, he believed, would grow conservative and support the Conservative party in Engalnd. He was correct. But.....NOT immediately. Remember, LONG TERM. The next election would see LIBERAL William Gladstone elected. He's liberal. He's liberal. He's liberal!.

 

 Gladstone supported FREE Trade. He saw it as a benefit to the hungry, the poor and a way to promote trade and lower costs. He supported repeal of corn law to HELP the hungry. He supported Italian Nationalism. Promoted public education rather than Anglican church education. Gladstone will be replaced by conservative Disraeli. Gladstone! Liberalism promotes individuality, freedom and competition. Disraeli-CONSERVATIVE. Govt will work to HELP the people, the weak. Disraeli's conservative party will work to protect Unions, artisans and Liberal gladstone says "yeah, unions are ok but we don't need to protect 'em or their members. It's a free world." 

 

EXTRa Credit. I will accept the THREE best responses 'til 1:30 for TWO points extra which address: How can SUFFRAGE be a dangerous thing for tradition, for conservativism even for partenalism?