Benjamin Disraeli

Benjamin Disraeli (1804 – 1881) was a British statesman, novelist, and leader of the Conservative Party who served twice as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.

He is remembered for expanding the franchise, modernizing the Conservative Party, and pursuing an assertive imperial foreign policy.

#BenjaminDisraeli

1. Early Life

Born: 21 December 1804, London, into a Sephardic Jewish family.

Baptized into the Church of England at age 12 (Anglicanism was required for certain public careers at the time).

Initially trained in law but turned to literature, publishing several novels in the 1820s–1830s.

2. Political Career

Entered Parliament: 1837 as MP for Maidstone.

Rose through the ranks of the Conservative Party as a skilled orator and political strategist.

Served as Chancellor of the Exchequer three times before becoming Prime Minister.

3. Prime Ministerships

First Term (Feb–Dec 1868)

Short-lived, following the resignation of Lord Derby.

Lost the general election later that year to Liberal leader William Gladstone.

Second Term (1874–1880)

Consolidated Conservative power with social reforms and imperial expansion.

Expanded urban workers’ rights, improved housing and sanitation.

Strengthened the British Empire’s prestige.

4. Key Achievements

Second Reform Act (1867): As a Conservative leader in government before his premiership, expanded the vote to many urban working men.

Public Health and Artisan’s Dwelling Acts: Improved working-class housing and sanitation.

• Imperial Moves:

Purchased controlling shares of the Suez Canal Company (1875), securing the route to India.

Had Queen Victoria proclaimed Empress of India (1876).

Played a major role in the Congress of Berlin (1878), curbing Russian expansion in the Balkans.

Advocated “One Nation Conservatism” — reducing class divisions through pragmatic reforms.

5. Rivalry with William Gladstone

Gladstone (Liberal Party) and Disraeli (Conservative) were political and ideological opposites.

Disraeli favored empire, monarchy, and pragmatic reform; Gladstone favored moralistic liberalism and retrenchment.

Their rivalry defined late-Victorian politics.

6. Literary Work

• Wrote novels throughout his life, often weaving political themes into fiction.

• Notable works: Vivian Grey, Sybil, Coningsby, Tancred.

• Used fiction to promote his vision of politics, society, and “Two Nations” (rich vs. poor).

7. Legacy

Seen as one of the architects of the modern Conservative Party.

Known for combining social reform at home with imperial assertiveness abroad.

Remains a central figure in British political history and an enduring subject in studies of Victorian statesmanship.

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