About
Benjamin Disraeli (1804-1881) was a British statesman and novelist. Born into a Jewish family that converted to Anglicanism, he became an MP in 1837 and leader of the Conservative Party. He served as Prime Minister twice (1868, 1874-1880). His government enacted social reforms, purchased shares in the Suez Canal, and made Queen Victoria Empress of India. He was created Earl of Beaconsfield in 1876. Author of political novels such as 'Coningsby' and 'Sybil', he left a lasting mark on British politics through his rivalry with Gladstone.
Major works
- Vivian Grey (1826)novel
- Coningsby (1844)novel
- Sybil, or The Two Nations (1845)novel
- Tancred (1847)novel
- Lothair (1870)novel
Key milestones
- 1868First term as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom (February-December).
- 1876Created Earl of Beaconsfield by Queen Victoria.
- 1878Played a key role at the Congress of Berlin, limiting Russian expansion and acquiring Cyprus for Britain.
Themes
ImperialismSocial reformForeign policyIdentity and religionPolitical rivalry
Sources: gov.uk · britannica.com · oxfordreference.com