“To Serve Armenia Is to Serve Civilization”: William Gladstone’s Historic Support for Armenians

William Ewart Gladstone, one of Britain’s most influential 19th-century statesmen and a four-time Prime Minister, is remembered not only for his liberal reforms but also for his passionate advocacy for human rights abroad — especially for Armenians living under Ottoman rule. His strong voice against atrocities committed in the Ottoman Empire forged a lasting historical connection between the British liberal movement and the Armenian cause for justice and survival.

On May 19th, Armenia’s Ambassador to the United Kingdom, Varuzhan Nersesyan, took part in a special event at the National Liberal Club in London marking Prime Minister Gladstone’s historic ties with the Armenian people.

In his remarks, Ambassador Nersesyan paid tribute to Gladstone’s enduring legacy, recalling his powerful advocacy during the Hamidian Massacres and quoting his iconic words: “To serve Armenia is to serve civilization.” He emphasized Gladstone’s moral leadership and the deep gratitude shown by Armenians — including symbolic gifts that were presented to him during his lifetime in recognition of his unwavering support.

The Embassy of Armenia extended its appreciation to the Gladstone Library, the Armenian Institute, and the National Liberal Club for organizing the commemorative event, which underscored the enduring relevance of Gladstone’s humanitarian stance.

Gladstone (1809–1898), often referred to as “The Grand Old Man” of British politics, was deeply moved by issues of moral and religious injustice. A devout Anglican and a champion of liberalism, he viewed foreign policy through a moral lens — a rarity in Victorian-era geopolitics.

His connection to the Armenian people was rooted in his broader criticism of the Ottoman Empire's treatment of Christian minorities. While earlier in his career he had taken a cautious stance on foreign affairs, the tide turned dramatically in the 1870s.

Gladstone’s interest in the plight of Christians in the Ottoman Empire surged after the 1876 Bulgarian atrocities committed by Ottoman forces. Although these events involved Bulgarians, they opened Gladstone’s eyes to the widespread suffering of all Christian populations under Ottoman rule — including Armenians.

In his famous pamphlet “The Bulgarian Horrors and the Question of the East”, Gladstone condemned the massacres and criticized the British government's support of the Ottoman Empire. The document sold hundreds of thousands of copies and cemented his role as a moral voice in international politics.

Gladstone’s most direct involvement with the Armenian people came during the 1890s, amid the Hamidian Massacres — a series of mass killings of Armenians carried out under Sultan Abdul Hamid II. Between 1894 and 1896, an estimated 100,000 to 300,000 Armenians were killed in what many historians view as a precursor to the Armenian Genocide of 1915.

Though in retirement, Gladstone emerged once again to speak out against these atrocities. In an 1895 speech, he declared:

“To serve Armenia is to serve civilization.” This statement resonated globally and became a rallying cry for humanitarian advocacy.

Gladstone urged Britain and other European powers to intervene and protect Armenians, highlighting the Ottoman Empire's repeated violations of international promises and human rights. He called on the British public to pressure the government to take moral action.

Though Gladstone passed away in 1898, his moral clarity left a lasting impression on Armenian communities and their advocates around the world. His words and writings became a source of hope for Armenians seeking support from the West during their darkest times.

Gladstone's connection to the Armenian cause also influenced British political discourse in the early 20th century and continues to be cited by scholars, human rights activists, and Armenian communities to this day.

In modern Armenia and among the diaspora, Gladstone is remembered as a foreign statesman who dared to speak truth to power on behalf of a persecuted people. His legacy is sometimes mentioned alongside other international allies who helped bring attention to the suffering of Armenians before and during the genocide.

Did You Know?

• In Yerevan, Armenia’s capital, streets and institutions have honored international supporters of Armenians, and Gladstone is often referenced in academic and historical discussions of 19th-century advocacy.

• Armenian newspapers in the diaspora during the late 19th and early 20th centuries often quoted Gladstone, describing him as a “friend of the Armenians.”

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