What Explains Gladstone's Development from Tory to Peelite to Liberal?

Many have seen Gladstone's political career as one dominated by contradictions. Gladstone started out as a high Anglican Tory and a strong opponent of reform. During the Tory party split, Gladstone followed Peel to become a Peelite and gradually he became swayed to the liberal end of politics, ending his career as one of the most popular icons of Victorian Liberalism who's great reforming ministry of 1868-74 seemed to oppose everything he had initially stood …

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