Disraeli: The Architect of Victorian Statesmanship
An exploration of Benjamin Disraeli's transformative career, covering his early life, parliamentary journey, premierships, domestic and foreign policies, and lasting legacy in British politics.
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The Right Honourable
The Earl of Beaconsfield
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Portrait of Benjamin Disraeli, 1878
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Prime Minister of the United Kingdom | |
In office 20 February 1874 โ 21 April 1880 |
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Monarch | Victoria |
Preceded by | William Ewart Gladstone |
Succeeded by | William Ewart Gladstone |
In office 27 February 1868 โ 1 December 1868 |
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Monarch | Victoria |
Preceded by | The Earl of Derby |
Succeeded by | William Ewart Gladstone |
Leader of the Opposition | |
In office 21 April 1880 โ 19 April 1881 |
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Monarch | Victoria |
Prime Minister | William Ewart Gladstone |
Preceded by | Marquess of Hartington |
Succeeded by | The Marquess of Salisbury |
Chancellor of the Exchequer | |
In office 6 July 1866 โ 29 February 1868 |
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Prime Minister | The Earl of Derby |
Preceded by | William Ewart Gladstone |
Succeeded by | George Ward Hunt |
In office 26 February 1858 โ 11 June 1859 |
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Prime Minister | The Earl of Derby |
Preceded by | Sir George Cornewall Lewis |
Succeeded by | William Ewart Gladstone |
In office 27 February 1852 โ 17 December 1852 |
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Prime Minister | The Earl of Derby |
Preceded by | Sir Charles Wood, 3rd Baronet |
Succeeded by | William Ewart Gladstone |
Personal Details | |
Born |
Benjamin D'Israeli
21 December 1804Bloomsbury, Middlesex, England |
Died | 19 April 1881 (aged 76) Mayfair, London, England |
Political Party | Conservative |
Other Affiliations | Young England (1840s) |
Spouse |
Mary Anne Evans
(m. 1839; died 1872)
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Parents |
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Signature | โ๏ธ |
Writing Career | |
Notable Works |
List
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Benjamin Disraeli, 1st Earl of Beaconsfield (21 December 1804 โ 19 April 1881) was a preeminent British statesman, a distinguished Conservative politician, and a prolific author. He twice held the office of Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, profoundly shaping the modern Conservative Party by defining its policies and broadening its appeal. Disraeli's tenure was marked by his influential role in international affairs, his celebrated political rivalry with the Liberal leader William Ewart Gladstone, and his espousal of "one-nation conservatism" or "Tory democracy." He cemented the Conservatives' association with the British Empire and its expansionist policies, which resonated strongly with the electorate. Notably, he remains the only British prime minister to have been born Jewish.
Born in Bloomsbury, London, on 21 December 1804, Benjamin Disraeli was the second child of Isaac D'Israeli, a literary critic, and Maria Basevi. His family was of Sephardic Jewish mercantile background. Following a dispute with the synagogue, his father renounced Judaism, and Benjamin was baptized into the Church of England at the age of 12, a conversion that opened the door to a political career. Despite early setbacks and a period in legal articles, Disraeli's ambition led him to literature and then politics. His early parliamentary career was characterized by his sharp intellect and distinctive style, often clashing with established figures. He rose through the ranks, serving as Chancellor of the Exchequer and Leader of the House of Commons under Lord Derby, before ascending to the premiership.
A Statesman's Overview
Prime Ministerial Tenure
Disraeli served as Prime Minister twice: first for a brief period in 1868, and then more substantially from 1874 to 1880. His second term was particularly significant, marked by major legislative achievements and assertive foreign policy.
Literary Acumen
Throughout his political career, Disraeli was also a successful novelist. His works, such as Coningsby and Sybil, often explored political and social themes, offering insights into his evolving ideology and providing him with both income and public recognition.
Political Philosophy
A key architect of "one-nation conservatism," Disraeli advocated for social reforms aimed at bridging the gap between the aristocracy and the working classes. He believed in a paternalistic role for the state and the Conservative Party in improving the lives of the less fortunate.
Formative Years
Birth and Heritage
Born in Bloomsbury, London, on 21 December 1804, Benjamin Disraeli was the second child of Isaac D'Israeli, a literary critic, and Maria Basevi. His family was of Sephardic Jewish mercantile background. Following a dispute with the synagogue, his father renounced Judaism, and Benjamin was baptized into the Church of England at the age of 12, a conversion that opened the door to a political career.
Education and Early Career
Disraeli received a classical education, though he later expressed regret over not attending Winchester College. After a brief stint as an articled clerk to a solicitor, he pursued a literary career, publishing his first novel, Vivian Grey, in 1826. His early ventures into finance and journalism were marked by both success and significant financial difficulties.
Entry into Parliament
Disraeli's political aspirations solidified in the 1830s. After several unsuccessful attempts, he entered the House of Commons in 1837 as a Conservative MP for Maidstone. His maiden speech was met with hostility, but he persevered, gradually establishing himself as a formidable debater and a key figure within the party.
Navigating Parliament
Opposition and Leadership
Disraeli's parliamentary career was defined by his sharp critiques of opponents, particularly William Ewart Gladstone. He played a crucial role in the Conservative Party's realignment after the repeal of the Corn Laws, becoming a leading voice for the protectionist faction and eventually the party's leader in the Commons.
The Reform Act of 1867
A pivotal moment in Disraeli's career was his skillful management of the Reform Act 1867. By introducing a progressive reform bill, he outmaneuvered the Liberals and secured the passage of legislation that significantly expanded the franchise, demonstrating his mastery of parliamentary strategy.
Political Evolution
Disraeli's political stance evolved over time, moving from radical sympathies to a more defined Tory position. His concept of "Tory democracy" emphasized the importance of social reform and the role of the aristocracy in protecting the interests of the working classes, a philosophy that guided his party's direction.
Ascent to Premiership
First Term (1868)
Disraeli's first premiership was brief, lasting from February to December 1868. He succeeded Lord Derby and faced immediate challenges, notably the debate over the disestablishment of the Church of Ireland. Despite passing several minor reforms, his government was short-lived, ending with a Liberal victory in the general election.
Second Term (1874-1880)
His second term, from 1874 to 1880, was far more impactful. Garnering a significant majority in the 1874 general election, Disraeli's government enacted substantial domestic reforms and pursued an assertive foreign policy, solidifying Britain's imperial standing.
Relationship with Victoria
Disraeli cultivated a close and effective relationship with Queen Victoria, earning her trust and admiration. His respectful and attentive approach, coupled with his political successes, led to his ennoblement as Earl of Beaconsfield in 1876, a testament to his elevated status in the Victorian era.
Domestic Policy Initiatives
Social Reforms
Disraeli's government prioritized social welfare, enacting legislation to improve public health and housing. Acts like the Artisans' and Labourers' Dwellings Improvement Act provided funding for working-class housing, reflecting his "one-nation" philosophy.
Worker Protections
Key legislation enhanced worker rights and safety. The Employers and Workmen Act placed employers and employees on a more equal legal footing, while the Conspiracy, and Protection of Property Act legalized peaceful picketing, supporting trade union activities.
Consumer Protection
The Sale of Food and Drugs Act 1875 aimed to ensure the quality and safety of consumer goods, prohibiting adulteration and establishing standards for food and drugs, demonstrating a commitment to public well-being.
Imperial Ambitions & Foreign Policy
The Suez Canal
A defining moment of Disraeli's premiership was the strategic purchase of Khedive Ismail Pasha's shares in the Suez Canal in 1875. This bold move secured Britain's vital trade route to India and underscored his commitment to expanding and protecting the British Empire.
The Congress of Berlin
Disraeli played a crucial role at the Congress of Berlin in 1878, skillfully negotiating peace in the Balkans following the Russo-Turkish War. His diplomatic efforts secured terms favorable to Britain, enhancing his reputation as a leading European statesman and earning him the moniker "Peace with Honour."
Imperial Conflicts
Disraeli's foreign policy also involved military engagements, notably the Second Anglo-Afghan War and the Anglo-Zulu War. While these conflicts aimed to secure British imperial interests, they also proved costly and controversial, contributing to a decline in public support.
Enduring Legacy
Shaping Modern Conservatism
Disraeli is credited with modernizing the Conservative Party, transforming it into a national force that embraced social reform and imperialism. His "one-nation" vision sought to unite disparate classes under a common banner of national identity and imperial purpose.
Oratorical Prowess
Renowned for his wit and eloquence, Disraeli was one of the most captivating speakers of his era. His speeches often blended political analysis with literary flair, influencing public opinion and parliamentary debate.
Literary Influence
His novels provided a unique lens through which to view Victorian society and politics. Works like Coningsby and Sybil explored themes of class, social reform, and national identity, influencing political discourse and literary circles.
The Author's Craft
Early Novels
Disraeli began his literary career in the 1820s with novels like Vivian Grey and The Young Duke. These works, often semi-autobiographical, explored aristocratic society and contained sharp social commentary, though they also led to controversy and financial strain.
Political Novels
Later novels, such as Coningsby (1844), Sybil (1845), and Tancred (1847), delved deeper into political and social issues. They articulated his vision for Tory democracy and the role of the aristocracy in addressing the "condition of England" question.
Later Works
His later novels, including Lothair (1870) and Endymion (1880), continued to engage with contemporary political and social themes, reflecting his experiences and observations throughout his long career.
Study Aids
Flashcards
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References
Explore the sources that informed this overview. Detailed citations are available to provide further context and support for the information presented.
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References
References
- After Meredith's death, Sarah Disraeli never married. She devoted the rest of her life to her family.[52]
- Of the 26 Anglican bishops and archbishops who sat in the House of Lords, 23 voted on the measure and 17 were opposed.
- Pierpoint, Robert. "Kingsway" Notes and Queries, 26 August 1916, p. 170
- "The Elections", The Observer, 3 May 1835, p. 4
- W.A. Speck, "Robert Southey, Benjamin Disraeli and Young England." History 95.318 (2010): 194โ206.
- Maurice Cowling, 1867 Disraeli, Gladstone and Revolution: The Passing of the Second Reform Bill (Cambridge UP, 2005).
- Conservative social and industrial reform: A record of Conservative legislation between 1800 and 1974 by Charles E, Bellairs, p. 16
- Conservative social and industrial reform: A record of Conservative legislation between 1800 and 1974 by Charles E, Bellairs, p. 17
- Conservative social and industrial reform: A record of Conservative legislation between 1800 and 1974 by Charles E, Bellairs, p. 18
- Geoffrey Hicks, "Disraeli, Derby and the Suez Canal, 1875: some myths reassessed." History 97.326 (2012): 182โ203.
- O'Kell, Robert. "Disraeli's Novels Reviewed, 1826รขยย1968, by R. W. Stewart", Nineteenth-Century Fiction, June 1976, pp. 84รขยย85
- "Benjamin Disraeli 1804รขยย1881", Nineteenth-Century Literary Criticism, eNotes, accessed 25 August 2013
- Richard Shannon, The Age of Disraeli, 1868-1881: The Rise of Tory Democracy (1992) pp. 199โ210
- Roland Quinault, "The Great Rivalry", History Today (November 2013) 63.11, p. 61
- Andrzej Diniejko, "Benjamin Disraeli and the Jewish Question in Victorian England" The Victorian Web (2020) online
- Todd M. Endelman, The Jews of Britain, 1656 to 2000 (University of California Press, 2002) p 6.
- Michael Ragussis, Figures of Conversion. The "Jewish Question" and English National Identity (1995) p. 175.
- See also Anthony S. Wohl, "'Ben JuJu': Representations of Disraeli's Jewishness in the Victorian political cartoon." Jewish history 10.2 (1996): 89รขยย134
- Michael Diamond, "Political Heroes of the Victorian Music Hall", History Today 40 (1990): 33รขยย39
- Steven Fielding, "British Politics and Cinema's Historical Dramas, 1929รขยย1938", Historical Journal 56.2 (2013): 487รขยย511, quotes on pp. 488 and 509รขยย510
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