William Gladstone and Benjamin Disraeli
William Gladstone (1809-1898) and Benjamin Disraeli (1804-1881) were two notable
prime ministers that contributed greatly to the politic arena of Great Britain
between 1868 and 1894. Of these two, Queen Victoria's favorite prime minister
was Benjamin Disraeli. The biggest difference between them was that Disraeli led
the Conservative Party and Gladstone led the Liberal Party.
Benjamin Disraeli was born in London. He was Jewish until 1817 when he became
Christian. He wrote several novels before he became prime minister. He set the
foundation of his conservative philosophy through the "London Times", in which
he supported the reforms of helping the middle class. The first time he became
prime minister was in 1868, the same year his government was defeated. He lasted
a couple of months as prime minister. He spent six years opposing William
Gladstone's government. Backed up by Queen Victoria, Disraeli was able to form a
strong government in 1874.
English: An 1876 political cartoon, originally pub...
Disraeli and Queen Victoria, during the latter's v...
Benjamin Disraeli, whose elevation to the peerage ...When Disraeli became prime minister for the second time (1874-1880), he passed
legislation and improved housing and working conditions for poor people. His
greatest triumphs were achieved in foreign policy, where he worked to protect
Britain's overseas empire. Under his ministry Britain gained control of the Suez
Canal and Queen Victoria became empress of India, which were two of his greatest
achievements.
William Gladstone led the Liberal Party and served four times as prime minister
(1868-1874, 1880-1885, 1886, and 1892-1894). He was born in Liverpool and was
son of John Gladstone. Gladstone was raised in an evangelical home which made
religion become a dominant force in his life. He made most of his studies in
Oxford University. In 1839 he married Catherine Glynne, and had eight children
together. Before becoming prime minister he always gave support to the Liberal
Party.
When he first...