The Earl of Beaconsfield, Benjamin Disraeli was one of the great political minds of the nineteenth century. He helped bring Britain through the effects of the Industrial Revolution and maintain a great empire. Despite his efforts, workers' rights were expanded and England was able to transition peacefully to democracy. Disraeli, a commoner by birth, was nevertheless an aristocrat in ideology. Through this unique combination of ideals, Disraeli was able to navigate Britain through the mid-19th century, restore prestige to the monarchy and aristocracy, and expand the rights of ordinary people. Disraeli sought to preserve the interests of the ruling aristocracy and maintain English dominance and freedom in the world. In this respect Disraeli was similar to many members of the Tory aristocracy of the 18th and 19th centuries who sought to maintain their power. Members of this class, such as James Brudenell, 7th Earl of Cardigan and George Bingham, 3rd Earl of Lucan, detested any kind of political reform and sought to maintain their power in parliament against the radical Whigs. tried to protect him, James Brudenell was discouraged from entering the military service, but instead, despite his father's influence, gained a seat in the House of Commons. Brudenell was a Member of Parliament for several years, until the election of 1832, when, due to the passing of the Reform Bill, he had to fight a difficult and bitter struggle and campaign to retain his seat in Parliament. From Parliament, Bundenell was able to use the purchasing system to realize his lifelong ambition of making a career in the military. From there he took control of the 15th Hussars and made it his model infantry... middle of paper... dominate and avoid revolution. Thus, through social reforms, Disraeli, in the last half of the nineteenth century, was able to navigate the waters of power by appealing to the common people. Similar to Disraeli, Lord Lucan's son saw the need for humanity for those of the lower classes and extended humanitarian efforts to his estates in Ireland. Disraeli, the reclusive Jewish Christian, was truly a great leader of the nineteenth century. He helped preserve the empire, creating a sense of British pride and providing reforms to the government, while maintaining its principles and identity. Works Cited Smith, Paul. Disraeli, A Brief Life. Cambridge: University Press, Cambridge, 1996.Woodham-Smith, Cecil. The reason why. New York: McGraw-Hill Book Company, 1954. Youngs, Fredric. The English heritage. vol. 2. 2 vols. Wheeling, IL: Harlan Davidson, 1999.