Disraeli: Alien Patriot, E. T. Raymond (ePub, PDF)

Benjamin Disraeli, born on December 21, 1804 in London and died on April 19, 1881, was one of the most influential statesmen of the Victorian era. A member of the Conservative Party, he served as British Prime Minister twice, in 1868 and from 1874 to 1880. Disraeli is best known for his strategic vision of the British Empire and his efforts to strengthen Britain’s role on a global scale.
His contribution to the British Empire was manifested in particular by the promotion of colonial expansion, the consolidation of British influence in India, and the modernisation of domestic policy to strengthen the stability of the Empire. Disraeli also worked to improve the fate of the working classes through social reforms and was an ardent defender of the Empire during events such as the Afghanistan crisis and the war against Egypt. His leadership helped strengthen the stature and cohesion of the British Empire, making him a key figure in Victorian history.
Relations between Benjamin Disraeli and Queen Victoria were complex and striking, mixing mutual admiration and some tensions. Disraeli, as Prime Minister, had a close relationship with Queen Victoria, despite some differences of view.
Disraeli understood the importance of the monarchy in the stability of the Empire and knew how to skilfully use his influence to strengthen the position of the queen. In return, Queen Victoria respected Disraeli for his political capacity and his sense of the sacred in the monarchy.
Benjamin Disraeli, as British Prime Minister, was confronted with forms of anti-Semitism. He was of Seguedist Jewish origin, but he converted to Christianity at a young age, which allowed him to integrate into British society at the time, where anti-Semitism was unfortunately widespread.
Despite his conversion, Disraeli was often the victim of prejudice and criticism, especially from some political opponents and in the press of the time. But Disraeli was a skilful politician who knew how to navigate in this difficult context. He worked to promote an image of himself as a statesman capable of representing the entire nation, regardless of his origins.