Constructing Ionian identities: the Ionian Islands in British official ...

greater responsibility over their own governance. Once a colony had shown its
ability for self-government, Gladstone, influenced by the examples of ancient Greek
colonies, believed Britain “should prepare for a peaceful transfer of power in order to
promote its general progress and prosperity and to ensure its continued association
with the Empire in independence”. 70
With other Peelites he refused to join Derby’s government in 1852 and
denounced Disraeli’s budget as irresponsible and socially divisive. After the defeat
of the Tory government Gladstone joined Aberdeen’s Peelite-Whig-Liberal coalition,
which united the various progressive forces in British politics. Gladstone shared
many political and economic views with members of the coalition, affiliating with
Liberal economists on fiscal policy, with Whigs on civil liberties and Radicals on
colonial affairs. 71 As Colin Matthew has argued, this affiliation allowed Gladstone to
promote himself “only partly self-consciously- as the champion of liberal causes”. 72
In Aberdeen’s government Gladstone became Chancellor of the Exchequer and
the success of his first budget in April 1853 was vital for the survival of the
coalition. 73 The Crimean War, however, was a set-back to Gladstone’s financial plans
and he paid for the war by raising income tax and indirect taxes. Gladstone’s mentor,
Aberdeen, and his closest friend, the fifth Duke of Newcastle, were blamed for
mishandling the war. The Radical J. A. Roebuck brought a hostile motion against the
70 Ibid., pp. 29-32.
71 Jenkins R., Gladstone, (London 1995).
72 Matthew H. C. G., Gladstone, 1809-1874.
73 Conacher J., The Aberdeen Coalition 1852-1855, (Cambridge, 1968); Iremonger L., Lord Aberdeen,
(London, 1978)
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