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"Upon the education of the people of this country the fate of this country depends."
— Benjamin Disraeli (1804-1881)

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Benjamin Disraeli

Benjamin Disraeli (1804-1881) was a British statesman, novelist and politician who played a significant role in British 19th-century politics. He served as the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom twice. First in 1868 and then from 1874 to 1880. Disraeli was the leader of the Conservative Party and is remembered for his influence in defining modern British conservatism.

Early Life and Background

Disraeli was born on 21 December 1804 in London to a Jewish family of Sephardic descent. His father, Isaac D'Israeli, was a literary critic and historian. Although Benjamin was baptised into the Anglican Church at age 12, his Jewish heritage remained a significant aspect of his identity and influenced his life and career.

Literary Career

Before entering politics, Disraeli was a novelist. He wrote several novels that often reflected his political views and experiences. Some of his most famous works include Vivian Grey (1826), Coningsby (1844) and Sybil; or The Two Nations (1845). These novels explored themes of social reform, class divisions and the responsibilities of the ruling classes.

Political Career

Disraeli's political career began in earnest in 1837 when he was elected as a Member of Parliament (MP) for Maidstone. His early years in Parliament were challenging and he faced opposition and ridicule. However, he gradually gained prominence within the Conservative Party, known for his wit, eloquence and political acumen.

Prime Ministership and Policies

Disraeli's first term as Prime Minister in 1868 was brief, lasting only a few months. However, it was during his second term from 1874 to 1880 that he made his most significant impact. Disraeli focused on several key areas:

Social Reform
He introduced various reforms aimed at improving living conditions for the working class, such as the Artisans' and Labourers' Dwellings Improvement Act (1875) and the Public Health Act (1875).

Foreign Policy and Empire
Disraeli was a strong advocate of British imperialism. He played a crucial role in the acquisition of a controlling interest in the Suez Canal in 1875, which was vital for maintaining British influence in India and the East. He also presided over the Congress of Berlin in 1878, where he helped to negotiate a peace settlement following the Russo-Turkish War, enhancing Britain's standing on the world stage.