Benjamin Disraeli is one of the most well-known figures in British political history. He was one of the few who helped pave the way for a major political upheaval in his country and broadened the appeal of ‘The Conservative’ party’s views and goals. Though he initially struggled to find his position in the ‘House of Commons,’ Benjamin quickly established himself in the political circles of his country. He led his party to a landslide win thirty-seven years after his arrival, and went on to become Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. Benjamin is also known for being the first and only Jewish person to serve as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. Queen Victoria recognized Benjamin’s leadership talents and bestowed upon him the title of ‘Earl of Beaconsfield,’ one of the highest political honors bestowed upon an individual. Disraeli gained a reputation as a wonderful writer as well. He wrote a notable political pamphlet called “A Vindication of the English Constitution in a Letter to a Noble and Learned Lord by Disraeli the Younger,” as well as a few books like “Young Duke” and “Contarini Fleming.”
Childhood and Adolescence
Benjamin Disraeli was born to Isaac D’Israeli and Maria Basevi on December 21, 1804. After a disagreement between his father and members of the ‘Beavis Marks’ synagogue, Benjamin’s family was forced to convert to Christianity in 1817.
Due to a lack of appropriate educational facilities at the period, Disraeli only studied for two to three years. The only place he could study was at a ‘Dame School,’ which was seen as a fantastic alternative at the time.
Disraeli obtained an opportunity to work with a firm of legal practitioners when he was seventeen years old, in 1821. Disraeli kept the employers happy via his service, despite the fact that it was not something he was particularly interested in.
Disraeli’s father believed that by getting him married to the daughter of the firm’s owner, he would be able to keep him financially secure. However, Disraeli’s desire to become a national celebrity led him to enter politics. Later, Disraeli admitted that his time with the firm was a wonderful experience.
Career of Benjamin Disraeli
In 1831, Disraeli entered the vast realm of British politics for the first time. He also attempted to run from Wycombe, a town in Buckinghamshire. The following year, in 1832, he ran as an independent candidate twice from the same location and lost both times.
Following a series of failures, Disraeli decided to join a political party in order to boost his prospects of winning. Disraeli’s chances did not improve after running as a Conservative Party candidate in 1835, and he lost the elections yet again.
Finally, Disraeli won the 1837 elections and was elected to the prestigious ‘House of Commons,’ alongside another conservative contender, Wyndham Lewis. Later that year, he also gave a speech in the British parliament.
Despite the fact that the conservative party came to power in 1841, Prime Minister ‘Sir Robert Peel’ would not offer Benjamin a position in his government. Disraeli, enraged, revolted against the British prime minister and slammed the party’s policies. After a few more years of criticism, Peel was forced to resign in 1846.
Disraeli was elected as a member of parliament from Buckinghamshire in 1847, and he went on to become one of Britain’s most powerful men.
Benjamin served as Chancellor of the Exchequer in Lord Derby’s minority government in 1852. Benjamin presented the budget as part of his ministerial responsibilities. The budgent was generally supportive of the working class, while the opposition was adamantly opposed. This was largely in retaliation for the actions he took against Peel in 1846. The Lord Derby government was overthrown in 1858 as a result of this.
The British parliament also made it legal for members of the Jewish community to assume administrative positions in 1858-59. Disraeli’s chances of becoming Prime Minister improved as a result of this.
Following Lord Derby’s retirement from parliament in 1868, Benjamin Disraeli was chosen Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. The term was only for a few months, as the general elections were held the next year. The Conservatives were defeated, and the Liberals, led by William Gladstone, were elected to power.
Disraeli was elected Prime Minister for the second time in 1874, after serving as a member of the opposition. Disraeli enacted various laws during his second term as Prime Minister, including ‘The Climbing Boys Act,’ ‘Conspiracy and Protection of Property Act,’ and ‘Public Health Act.’
Major Projects of Benjamin Disraeli
Aside from being a superb politician, Benjamin had also established a reputation as a terrific writer. Disraeli had nearly 28 literary works published, with 20 in the ‘Fiction’ category and 8 in the ‘Non-Fiction’ category.
‘Coningsby,’ ‘Henrietta Temple,’ ‘The Young Duke,’ ‘The Tragedy of Count Alancos,’ and ‘Venetia’ are only a few of Benjamin’s notable fiction works. In publications such as ‘The Vindication of The English Constitution’ and ‘England and France, or A Cure of Ministerial Gallomania,’ he has stated his political beliefs.
Achievements & Awards
Queen Victoria bestowed the title of Lord Beaconsfield on Benjamin in 1876. Benjamin was elected to the elite ‘House of Lords’ as a result of this honor. At the same time, he continued to serve his country as Prime Minister.
Following Benjamin’s death, a memorial was erected at Westminister Abbey in his honor. This memorial was apparently erected at the suggestion of Benjamin’s political adversary William Gladstone.
Personal History and Legacy
Henrietta Sykes, a woman in a relationship with Lord Lyndhurst, a statesman, had come into contact with Benjamin around 1834. Disraeli and Henrietta had a romance. This public affair drew widespread condemnation and served as the subject for the 1837 book “Henrietta Temple.”
Benjamin married Mary Anne Wyndham Lewis, who was a widow, in 1839. Disraeli was twelve years Disraeli’s senior. Many people said that Disraeli married Mary because of her fortune, yet it appears that both of them were profoundly concerned about each other.
Benjamin became extremely ill in 1880, around the time he released his novel ‘Endymion.’ Benjamin had developed Gout and Asthma, which limited him to the limits of his home, and his position quickly deteriorated.
Disraeli eventually succumbed to his sickness and died in 1881. The news of his death was met with shock and grief by British citizens and members of the political community. Disraeli’s funeral was attended by his brother Ralph and nephew Coningsby.
The news of Disraeli’s death, who was a close aide to the royal family, deeply disturbed Queen Victoria. Victoria, however, was not present at Disraeli’s funeral due to an age-old convention prohibiting women from attending funerals.
Disraeli was said to be the closest of his siblings to his sister. He used to go on several business trips with his sister’s fiancée.
Estimated Net Worth
Benjamin is one of the wealthiest politicians and one of the most well-known. Benjamin Disraeli’s net worth is estimated to be $1.5 million, according to Wikipedia, Forbes, and Business Insider.
Trivia
In 1929, a film based on Benjamin called “Disraeli” was released. Actor George Arliss played the part of Benjamin Disraeli. For his portrayal of Benjamin Disraeli, George received a ‘Academy Award.’