Benjamin Disraeli

21 December 1804 – 19 April 1881

Benjamin Disraeli (1804-1881) was a British statesman and novelist who twice served as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom and was a central figure in the modern Conservative Party. Born to a Jewish family and baptized an Anglican in childhood, he championed an expansionist foreign policy and social reform, and forged a close political relationship with Queen Victoria. He was created Earl of Beaconsfield in 1876.

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Life events

Born in London
21 December 1804

Benjamin Disraeli was born in Bloomsbury, London, the son of the literary scholar Isaac D'Israeli.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
Birth ✓
Baptized into the Church of England
31 July 1817

After his father's quarrel with his synagogue, the twelve-year-old Disraeli was baptized an Anglican, which later made his parliamentary career possible.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Published his first novel, Vivian Grey
1826

Disraeli anonymously published the society novel Vivian Grey, beginning a lifelong parallel career as a novelist.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Elected to Parliament as MP for Maidstone
July 1837

After several failed attempts, Disraeli entered the House of Commons as Conservative member for Maidstone.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Married Mary Anne Lewis
28 August 1839

Disraeli married the wealthy widow Mary Anne Lewis, and the marriage became a famously devoted partnership.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Steered the Second Reform Act through Parliament
15 August 1867

As Chancellor of the Exchequer, Disraeli piloted the Reform Act of 1867, which roughly doubled the British electorate.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Became Prime Minister for the first time
27 February 1868 – 1 December 1868

Disraeli succeeded the Earl of Derby as Prime Minister, remarking that he had climbed 'to the top of the greasy pole', though he lost the general election later that year.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Second premiership
20 February 1874 – 21 April 1880

Disraeli led a majority Conservative government noted for social reforms, the purchase of Suez Canal shares, and making Victoria Empress of India.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Represented Britain at the Congress of Berlin
13 June 1878 – 13 July 1878

Disraeli returned from the Congress of Berlin claiming 'peace with honour' after limiting Russian gains in the Balkans.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Died in London
19 April 1881

Disraeli died at his home on Curzon Street, Mayfair, at the age of 76.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
Death ✓