BENJAMIN DISRAELI

SHORT BIOGRAPHY

Benjamin Disraeli, 1st Earl of Beaconsfield, KG, PC, FRS, born Benjamin D’ Israeli, (21
December 1804 – 19 April 1881), was a British Conservative statesman and literary figure.
He served in government for three decades, twice as Prime Minister. An Anglican, he was
nonetheless the country’s first and so far only Prime Minister of Jewish heritage. He played
an instrumental role in the creation of the modern Conservative Party after the Corn Laws
schism of 1846.

Although a major figure in the protectionist wing of the Conservative Party after 1844,
Disraeli’s relations with the other leading figures in the party, particularly Lord Derby, the
overall leader were often strained. Not until the 1860s would Derby and Disraeli be on easy
terms, and the latter’s succession of the former assured. From 1852 onwards, Disraeli’s
career would also be marked by his often intense rivalry with William Gladstone, who
eventually rose to become the leader of the Liberal Party. In this feud, Disraeli was aided by
his warm friendship with Queen Victoria, who came to detest Gladstone during the latter’s
first premiership in the 1870s. In 1876 Disraeli was raised to the peerage as the Earl of
Beaconsfield, capping nearly four decades in the House of Commons.
“I am a Conservative to preserve all that is good in
our constitution, a Radical to remove all that is
bad. I seek to preserve property and to respect order,
and I equally decry the appeal to the passions of the
many or the prejudices of the few.”

– Quote by Benjamin Disraeli, campaign speech

Before and during his political career, Disraeli
was well-known as a literary and social figure,
although his novels are not generally regarded
as a part of the Victorian literary canon. He
mainly wrote romances, of which Sybil and
Vivian Grey are perhaps the best-known today.
He is unusual among British Prime Ministers
for having gained equal social and political
renown.
 COMMENTARY ON LIFE OF BENJAMIN
DISRAELI

Disraeli helped to define the Conservative ideology which was to stand for
over 100 years. Fiercely patriotic and conservative, Disraeli was one of the
most ardent supporters of the monarchy, the British Empire and the British
way of life. He aspired that the British Empire would be a beacon of Liberty
(Imperium et Libertas) though in practice this ideal was far from reality.
“It has been said that the people of this country are deeply interested in the
humanitarian and philanthropic considerations involved in [the Eastern
Question]. All must appreciate such feelings. But I am mistaken if there be
not a yet deeper sentiment on the part of the people of this country, one with
which I cannot doubt your lordships will ever sympathise, and that is—the
determination to maintain the Empire of England.”
– Benjamin Disraeli (1877)
 Yet, though he was undoubtedly a conservative on many issues, he helped to
promote a greater sense of social duty amongst the Conservative party. He
also helped to extend the popular vote with the great reform act of 1867. This
attitude of benevolent Capitalism has been described as One Nation
Conservatism. Over a century later, Mrs Thatcher was criticised for her
apparent departure from this more compassionate aspect of Conservativism.
Disraeli was more than just a career politician, he was a writer and skilled
debater and conversationalist. He developed a critical relationship with Queen
Victoria when she passed into excess mourning following the death of her
husband Prince Albert, Disraeli was one of the few who was able to coax her
out of her isolation.