= Benjamin Disraeli = '''Benjamin Disraeli''' was a [[UnitedKingdom/ConservativeParty|Conservative]] politician, member of the [[UnitedKingdom/Parliament|Parliament]], and [[UnitedKingdom/PrimeMinisters|prime minister]] of the [[UnitedKingdom/Democratization|United Kingdom]]. <> ---- == History == Disraeli first won election to the [[UnitedKingdom/Parliament|House of Commons]] for Maidstone in 1837, as a [[UnitedKingdom/ConservativeParty|Conservative]]. In the 1841 general election, he switched to the safer and cheaper constituency of Shrewsbury. Disraeli opposed the [[UnitedKingdom/RobertPeel|Peel]] government's repeal of the '''Corn Laws'''. He led a protectionist faction, and while the '''Peelites''' were ultimately successful, the party irrevocably fragmented. The government dissolved in 1846 and a minority [[UnitedKingdom/WhigParty|Whig]] government under [[UnitedKingdom/JohnRussell|Russell]] emerged. Over the course of several years, Disraeli centralized power and became the effective party leader. The government lost a series of votes in 1851 and 1852, leading to Russell's resignation; [[UnitedKingdom/EdwardSmithStanley|Smith-Stanley]] was left to attempt an alternate minority government. This so-called '''Who? Who? ministry''' was composed almost entirely of ministers with no prior experience in government, including Disraeli in the [[UnitedKingdom/Treasury|Treasury]]. This government also fell within a year. In 1858, Smith-Stanley ''again'' attempted a minority government, and Disraeli ''again'' was appointed to the Treasury. A snap election was called for May 1859, and while the Conservatives gained some seats, they remained a minority. The Whigs, Radicals, and Peelites meanwhile merged to establish the [[UnitedKingdom/LiberalParty|Liberal Party]]; the government was promptly defeated in a vote and Smith-Stanley resigned. [[UnitedKingdom/HenryJohnTemple|Temple]] led the new government and the new party; following his death in 1865, Russell succeeded as leader. Throughout this period though, [[UnitedKingdom/WilliamEwartGladstone|Gladstone]] was politically ascendant. His priority was a '''Reform Act''' to expand suffrage. Disraeli was able to split the Liberals on the issue, causing the government to lose the vote in 1866. With Russell's resignation, Smith-Stanley ''really again'' attempted a minority government, and Disraeli ''really again'' was appointed to the Treasury. Disraeli then co-opted the Reform Act and succeeded in passing it through then Parliament in 1867. Despite the Conservative government, Gladstone did continue introducing and passing legislation using the Liberal majority. Snap elections were purposefully not called because the reformed electoral rolls were not ready. In February 1868, owing to failing health, Smith-Stanley resigned and Disraeli succeeded as [[UnitedKingdom/PrimeMinisters|prime minister]]. Snap elections were held in December, which the Liberals won; Gladstone became PM for the first time. Gladstone lost a series of votes, beginning with a 1873 bill aiming to establish a university in [[Ireland/Dublin|Dublin]]. Disraeli was offered leadership, but declined so as to avoid another minority government. He instead waited until Gladstone was forced to call snap elections. In February 1874, Disraeli led the Conservatives to win a majority, the first time since Peel was leader. Disraeli became PM for the second time. In 1875, [[Egypt/Monarchs#Khedivate_of_Egypt|Egypt]] was bankrupted. Without consulting the Parliament or seeking the passage of any act, Disraeli directed the purchase of 44% of the shares in the '''Suez Canal'''. In 1876, Disraeli was created '''earl of Beaconsfield''' and '''viscount of Hughenden'''. He participated in the [[WorldHistory/CongressOfBerlin|Congress of Berlin]] in 1878. The Conservatives were severely defeated in the April 1880 general election; Gladstone became PM for the second time. Disraeli's health rapidly declined and he died the following year. ---- CategoryRicottone