Who was Benjamin Disraeli? Everything You Need to Know

Quick Facts

British Celebrities Born In December

Died At Age: 76

Family:

Spouse/Ex-: Mary Anne Wyndham Lewis

father: Isaac D’Israeli

mother: Maria Basevi

Prime Ministers Political Leaders

Died on: April 19, 1881

City: London, England

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What was Benjamin Disraeli's role in British politics?

Benjamin Disraeli was a British statesman who served as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom twice, in 1868 and from 1874 to 1880.
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What was Benjamin Disraeli's contribution to the Conservative Party?

Benjamin Disraeli played a key role in shaping the modern Conservative Party in the UK, advocating for social reforms and a more inclusive approach to politics.
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What were some of Benjamin Disraeli's notable achievements as Prime Minister?

As Prime Minister, Benjamin Disraeli implemented significant social reforms, expanded the British Empire, and played a crucial role in foreign policy, including the Congress of Berlin in 1878.
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What was Benjamin Disraeli's approach to imperialism and foreign policy?

Benjamin Disraeli was known for his imperialistic policies, advocating for British expansion and influence abroad, particularly in Asia and Africa.
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How did Benjamin Disraeli's writing and literary works influence his political career?

Benjamin Disraeli was a successful author and his literary works, including novels and political writings, helped shape his political philosophy and public image.

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Childhood & Early Life

Benjamin Disraeli was born on 21 December 1804 to Isaac D’Israeli and Maria Basevi, Basically of Jewish descent, Benjamin’s family had to adopt Christianity in 1817 after a difference in opinions between his father and members of the ‘Beavis Marks’ synagogue.

Disraeli barely studied for two to three years, apparently due to the lack of good educational facilities at the time. The only place where he got opportunity to study was at a ‘Dame School’, which was considered a great option back then.

In 1821, at the tender age of seventeen, Disraeli got an opportunity to work with a firm of legal practitioners. Though it was not something Disraeli was hugely interested in, he kept the employers happy through his service.

Disraeli’s father thought that this job would keep him financially secure and thought of getting him married to the daughter of the firm’s owner. However, Disraeli’s ambition of becoming a nationwide sensation, made him move towards politics. Disraeli admitted later that his tenure with the firm was a great experience.

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Career

Disraeli finally stepped into the big world of British politics in 1831. He also sought to contest from a place called Wycombe, near Buckinghamshire. The very next year, in1832, he contested twice from the same place, as an independent candidate, and suffered consecutive defeats.

After successive defeats, Disraeli decided to associate himself with a political party to improve his chances of emerging victorious. Even after contesting as a candidate of the Conservative party in 1835, Disraeli’s fortunes didn’t change, and he lost the elections yet again.

Finally, Disraeli managed to win the elections held in 1837 and found himself a place in the esteemed ‘House of Commons’, along with another conservative candidate Wyndham Lewis. He also rendered a speech at the British parliament later that year.

Though the conservative party came into power in 1841, ‘Sir Robert Peel’, the then Prime Minister, didn’t offer Benjamin a Ministerial role in his cabinet. An infuriated Disraeli revolted against the British premier and criticized the party’s policies. The criticism continued for a few more years and finally Peel had to quit in 1846

In 1847, Disraeli was elected as a member of parliament from Buckinghamshire, and finally managed to establish himself as one of Britain’s most influential men.

In 1852, in Lord Derby’s minority government, Benjamin held the position of Chancellor of the Exchequer. As part of his ministerial duty, Benjamin presented the budget. The budgent was broadly in favour of working class but the opposition vehemently opposed it. This was partly out of revenge for his actions against Peel in 1846. This subsequently led to the downfall of the Lord Derby government in 1858.

In 1858-59, British parliament also made it legal for people belonging to the Jewish community to hold administrative roles. This improved Disraeli’s chances of becoming the Prime Minister.

In 1868, after Lord Derby retired from politics, Benjamin Disraeli was appointed the Prime Minister of Britain. The tenure was only for a short time, until the general elections took place the same year. The conservatives were defeated, and the Liberals came to power, with William Gladstone forming the new government.

After serving as a member of opposition, Disraeli was elected as the Prime Minister for the second time in 1874. During his second tenure as the premier, Disraeli introduced several laws such as ‘The Climbing Boys Act’, ‘Conspiracy and Protection of Property Act’, and ‘Public Health Act’.

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Major Works

Benjamin had also earned the reputation of being a great writer, other than just being a great politician. Disraeli has published close to 28 literary works of his, of which 20 belong to the ‘Fiction’ and 8 belong to the ‘Non-Fiction’ categories.

Some of Benjamin’s prominent works in the fiction category include ‘Coningsby’, ‘Henrietta Temple’, ‘The Young Duke’, ‘The Tragedy of Count Alancos’, and ‘Venetia’. He has also expressed his views on political affairs through works like ‘The Vindication of The English Constitution’, and ‘England and France, or A Cure of The Ministerial Gallomania’.

Awards & Achievements

In 1876, Benjamin was awarded the crown of Lord Beaconsfield by Queen Victoria. Post this honour, Benjamin became a member of the prestigious ‘House of Lords’. He continued serving his nation as the Prime Minister at the same time.

A memorial was built at Westminister Abbey in Benjamin’s honour, post his death. Apparently, this monument was erected as per Benjamin’s political rival William Gladstone’s suggestion.

Personal Life & Legacy

In 1834, Benjamin had come in close contact with Henrietta Sykes, a woman who was in a relationship with Lord Lyndhurst, a statesman. Henrietta fell in a relationship with Disraeli. This open liaison was widely criticized, and also became an inspiration for the book ‘Henrietta Temple’ which was published in 1837.

In 1839, Benjamin got married to Mary Anne Wyndham Lewis, who was a widow. Mary was twelve years elder to Disraeli. It was claimed by many that Disraeli married Mary for her abundant wealth, but apparently both were deeply concerned about each other.

In 1880, around the same time when Benjamin published his book ‘Endymion’, he fell terribly ill. Benjamin had fallen prey to Gout and Asthma, which also restricted him to the confines of his home, soon his situation became worse.

Finally Disraeli succumbed to this prolonged illness and died in 1881. The news of his death was received with great shock and grief by the citizens of Britain and folks of the political fraternity. His brother Ralph and nephew Coningsby were present at the time of Disraeli’s funeral.

Queen Victoria was also disturbed by the news of Disraeli, who was a close aide of the royal family. However, due to an age old tradition which prohibits women from attending funerals, Victoria was not present at the time of Disraeli’s funeral.

Amongst all his siblings, Disraeli was said to be closest to his sister. He even used to accompany his sister’s fianc� in many business trips.

Facts About Benjamin Disraeli

Despite being born into a Jewish family, Disraeli converted to Christianity at a young age, but still maintained a strong connection to his Jewish heritage throughout his life.

Disraeli was a prolific novelist in addition to being a politician, and his works, such as "Sybil" and "Coningsby," reflected his political beliefs and experiences.

He had a flair for fashion and was known for his extravagant and colorful attire, which set him apart from his more conservatively dressed political peers.

Disraeli was a skilled diplomat and negotiator, playing a key role in shaping British foreign policy during his time as Prime Minister.

Benjamin Disraeli Biography

You wanted to know

What was Benjamin Disraeli's role in British politics?

What was Benjamin Disraeli's contribution to the Conservative Party?

What were some of Benjamin Disraeli's notable achievements as Prime Minister?

What was Benjamin Disraeli's approach to imperialism and foreign policy?

How did Benjamin Disraeli's writing and literary works influence his political career?