Benjamin Disraeli Biography of the British Statesman

Benjamin Disraeli was a British statesman who served as prime minister yet always remained something of an outsider and an upstart in British society. He actually first gained fame as a writer of novels. Despite his middle-class roots, Disraeli aspired to become the leader of Britains Conservative Party, which was dominated by wealthy landowners. Disraeli described his ascent in British politics memorably. After becoming prime minister for the first time in 1868 he remarked, I have climbed to the top of the greasy pole. Early Life of  Benjamin Disraeli Benjamin Disraeli was born on December 21, 1804 to a Jewish family with roots in Italy and the Middle East. When he was 12, Disraeli was baptized into the Church of England. Disraelis family lived in a fashionable section of London and he attended good schools. On his fathers advice, he took steps to begin a career in the law but became fascinated by the idea of being a writer. After trying and failing to launch a newspaper, Disraeli gained a literary reputation with his first novel, Vivian Grey, in 1826. The book was the tale of a young man who aspires to succeed in society but encounters misery. As a young man, Disraeli attracted notice for his flamboyant dress and manners, and he was something of a character on the London social scene. Disraeli Entered Politics in the 1830s After three unsuccessful attempts to win election to Parliament, Disraeli finally succeeded in 1837. Disraeli gravitated toward the Conservative Party, which was dominated by the wealthy land-owning class. Despite his reputation as a wit and a writer, Disraelis first speech in the House of Commons was a disaster. A dispatch carried across the Atlantic by packet ship and published in American newspapers in January 1838 mentioned the novelist made his debut in the House and a most dreadful failure it was by all accounts. He rambled from subject to subject, talked an immortal deal of nonsense, and kept the House in a roar of laughter, not with him but at him. In his own political party, Disraeli was an outsider and was often looked down upon as he had a reputation for being ambitious and eccentric. He was also criticized for having an affair with a married woman, and for having debts from bad business investments. In 1838 Disraeli married a wealthy widow and purchased a country estate. He was, of course, criticized for marrying into money, and with his typical wit he made a joke, remarking, I may commit many follies in my life, but I never intend to marry for love. Career in Parliament When the Conservative Party took power in 1841 and its leader, Robert Peel, became Prime Minister, Disraeli hoped to receive a cabinet position. He was passed over but learned to maneuver successfully in British politics. And he eventually came to mock Peel while raising his own political profile. In the mid-1840s, Disraeli surprised his conservative brethren when he published a novel, Sybil, which expressed sympathy for workers who were being exploited in British factories. In 1851 Disraeli gained his coveted cabinet post when he was named chancellor of the Exchequer, the British governments top financial post. Disraeli Served as British Prime Minister In early 1868 Disraeli became prime minister, ascending to the top of the British government when the prime minister, Lord Derby, became too ill to hold office. Disraelis term was brief as a new election voted out the Conservative Party at the end of the year. Disraeli and the Conservatives were in opposition while William Ewart Gladstone served as prime minister in the early 1870s. In the election of 1874 Disraeli and the Conservative regained power, and Disraeli served as prime minister until 1880, when Gladstones party prevailed and Gladstone again became prime minister. Disraeli and Gladstone were at times bitter rivals, and it is remarkable to note how the position of prime minister was held by one or the other for roughly two decades: Disraeli: February 1868 - December 1868Gladstone: December 1868 - February 1874Disraeli: February 1874 - April 1880Gladstone: April 1880 - June 1885 Friendly Relationship With Queen Victoria Queen Victoria took a liking to Disraeli, and Disraeli, for his part, knew how to flatter and accommodate the queen. Their relationship was generally very friendly, a sharp contrast to Victorias relationship with Gladstone, whom she detested. Disraeli developed the habit of writing letters to Victoria describing political events in novelistic terms. The queen greatly appreciated the letters, telling someone she had never had such letters in her life. Victoria had published a book, Leaves From a Journal of Our Life in the Highlands, and Disraeli wrote to compliment it. He would later flatter the queen by occasionally prefacing remarks with, We authors, Maam... Disraelis Administration Made Its Mark in Foreign Affairs During his second term as prime minister, Disraeli seized the chance to buy a controlling interest in the Suez Canal. And he generally stood for an expansive and imperial foreign policy, which tended to be popular at home. Disraeli also convinced Parliament to bestow the title Empress of India upon Queen Victoria, which pleased the queen greatly, as she was fascinated by The Raj. In 1876, Victoria bestowed upon the Disraeli the title of Lord Beaconsfield, which meant he could move from the House of Commons to the House of Lords. Disraeli continued to serve as prime minister until 1880, when an election returned the Liberal Party, and its leader, Gladstone, to power. Depressed and disheartened by the electoral defeat, Disraeli took ill and died April 19, 1881. Queen Victoria, it was reported, was heartbroken at the news.

Community Assessment And Its Impact On The Community

Anderson and McFarlane (2004) defined community assessment as a process; it is the act of becoming acquainted with a community (p.169). Community Assessment is similar to a physical assessment of a person because one has to review the history, examine all areas thoroughly, and report problem areas encountered. The community I assessed was Little Haiti. During the assessment, I was able to participate in various activities that helped transition into the community. The main method used in learning about the neighbororhood was observation. Observing the community gave me the opportunity to examine the area from the perspective of an outsider. There were times when I was able to see the city from an insider’s perspective. During the 1970’s, the socio-economic conditions in Haiti deteriorated with widespread corruption, an increasingly repressive state, inadequate basic social and economic infrastructure and a total neglect of the peasant population†¦. This gave rise to a mass exodus consisting primarily of poor peasants and urban dwellers that became known as the â€Å"Haitian Boat People.† Haitians fled deteriorating conditions in Haiti and traveled by boat to the Bahamas and Florida in hope of a better life. While some reunited with family members living in other U.S. regions, the great majority remained in Florida†¦. Once inhabited mostly by middle-class whites, the City of Miami became the highest point of concentration of Haitian refugees in South Florida throughout the 1970’sShow MoreRelatedAssessment of Social Impacts on Local Community: Wimbledon Tennis Tournament1043 Words   |  5 PagesAssessment of social impacts on local community: Wimbledon tennis tournament Working Title: Assessment of social impacts on local community: Wimbledon tennis tournament Research Context: The study is situated in events management domain, aims to identify and analyse social impacts of Wimbledon tennis tournament on local community applying Social Impact Evaluation Framework. Research Rationale: Research of social impact of events is one of the emergingRead MoreThe Exxon Valdez And Bp Oil Spill1309 Words   |  6 PagesComparison of Initial Social and Psychological Impacts. American Behavioral Scientist (2011): 3-23. This article was concerned in identifying psychological impact of disasters. 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Presidential Outline of Andrew Jackson free essay sample

President Van Buren didn’t receive much education as a child. His parents were Dutch and spoke fluent Dutch. His father, Abraham, owned a tavern. In the tavern, Van Buren spent much of his childhood observing, studying, and listening to the political arguments there, giving him some experience. His formal education ended at the age of 14. B. At the stunning age of 13, President Jackson entered the army in the American Revolution. This ended his childhood and unfortunately wiped out his whole family. He became very skilled as a solder in the Revolution. After he was done serving in the military, he also became a U. S. congressman, U. S. state senator, and he was also the U. S. governor with Florida. After he retired from being president, he became a farmer. IV. Opponents in Election C. 1828 1. Democrat – Andrew Jackson 2. National Republican – John Quincy Adams * This presidential election gave voters two more divisions of political parties to choose from. The Maysville Road Bill was brought into consideration which stated that the federal government should purchase stock in areas like Maysville, Washington, Paris, Lexington, Ohio, etc. Congress passed this bill, but it was further vetoed by President Jackson. H. Worcester v. Georgia (1832) – This was a case under the Supreme Court in which they vacated the conviction of Samuel Worcester and also held a Georgia statute that prohibited non Native Americans to from being present on Indiana lands. John Marshall was chief justice at the time. This case was famous because of the results of the friendship between the US and Native Americans afterwards. I. South Carolina Ordinance of Nullification (1832) – As United States started to become more and more industrialized, they soon passed a highly protective tariff that infuriated the Southern States, South Carolina in particular. They felt that it benefitted the North and destroyed the South. This tariff benefitted American producers of cloth. It also shrunk demand for southern cotton, making the southerners upset as well. J. Veto of Bill to recharter the Second Bank of U. S. 1832) – In July of 1832, President Jackson vetoed a major bill that would have renewed the corporate charter of the Second Bank of the United States. This was one of the most definitive acts in his presidency. The Second Bank of the U. S. was created as a result from the War of 1812, yet it has been very controversial ever since it was made. K. Compromise Tariff (1833) – This tariff was proposed by Henry Clay and John C. Calhoun as a resolution to the SC Nullification crisis. This act stated that important taxes would be gradually cut over the next decade until the levels of the 1816 tariff reached 20%. These reductions only lasted a small two months. L. Force Act (1833) – This act came about because of South Carolina’s Ordinance of Nullification in1832. This act also empowered President Andrew Jackson to use military forces such as the army and navy, if it was necessary, to enforce acts on Congress. Even though it did that, it mainly enforced tariff measures that South Carolina has objected in the Ordinance of Nullification. M. Beginning of the Second Seminole War (1835) – This war was also called the Florida war. This conflict began in 1835 and lasted until 1842 between various groups of Native Americans in Florida cause a series of conflicts. They called them Seminoles, hence the name of the war itself. It was the most expensive war fought by the United States at that time. N. Beginning of Texas War for independence (1836) – This was a military conflict between the government of Mexico and Texas. This conflict resulted in an establishment of a Texas Republic after the final battle of this war/revolution. Texas was originally a part of Mexico and wanted to break away, so they had to fight for the separation just like the U. S. did with Britain. O. Battle of the Alamo (1836) – This was the first major battle of the Texas independence war. The Mexican’s leader was General Antonio Lopez de Santa Ana, who was a former president in Mexico. The Americans and Mexicans fought and eventually the Mexicans won the battle easily. P. Specie Circular (1836) – This was an executive order from President Jackson stating and requiring that payment for the purchase of public lands will be made exclusively in gold or silver. This eventually led to the Panic of 1837 due to the large influx of paper money, etc. Q. Battle of Sam Jacinto (1836) – This battle was the birthplace of Texas liberty. American general, Sam Houston, took his pioneers and attacked at Santa Ana and his Mexican troops once again. The battle lasted only twenty minutes. It was short, yet memorable. The Texans majorly defeated the Mexicans in this battle, with only 9 Texans dying total. R. Arkansas enters the Union (1836) – Arkansas entered the Union as a slave state in June of 1836. It was the twenty-fifth state to enter the Union. The purpose of this state being added was to equal the balance of power between free states and slaves state. S. Michigan enters the Union (1836) – On the same day as Arkansas, Michigan entered the Union as well. Unlike Arkansas, Michigan entered the Union as a free state instead of a salve state. Michigan was the twenty-sixth state. T. Charles River Bridge v. Warren River Bridge (1837) VII. Major Social Movements or Events U. Webster-Haynes Debate (1830) – This was a famous debate in the United States between the Senator Daniel Webster and the Senator Robert Y. Haynes. The general topic of their powerful debate was the topic of protectionist tariffs. Webster’s second attack directed to Haynes was the most powerful, and was even paraphrased by future president Lincoln in his Gettysburg address. V. Nat Turner Rebellion (1831) – This was a major slave rebellion that took place in Southern Virginia. The rebellion was led by Nat Turner, and he led many rebel slaves who murdered over 50 white men. The rebellion only lasted a few days, but it had a huge impact on future decisions and beliefs about slavery. W. Black Hawk war (1831) – This was a brief conflict in 1831 between the United States and the Native Americans. This war got its name from the Native American leader, Black Hawk. It began when certain groups of Native Americans crossed the Mississippi River into Illinois. X. First issue of the Liberator published (1831) The Liberator was an abolitionist newspaper that was made by William Lloyd Garrison in 1831. He published the Liberator weekly. He set a national tone by these papers, and continued writing them for about 35 years after he published the first issue. Y. Samuel Francis Smith writes â€Å"America† (1832) Samuel Francis Smith was most famous for writing and composing a popular patriot song, â€Å"My Country Tis of Thee†. At the time he called his song â€Å"America†. He was given much praise for it back then, and still does today. Z. Jackson’s Proclamation in response to S. C. (1832) – In December, President Jackson issued this proclamation. In his proclamation, he stated that the states are forbidden form nullifying federal laws. He also addressed throughout the entire speech that he believed in the federal government and that it was the supreme power in the US rather than state powers. [. New York Herald begins publication (1835) – The New York Herald was a huge distribution newspaper with its headquarters in New York City. The first issue of this collection of paper was made by James Gordon Bennett, Sr. in May. These papers lasted until 1945. VIII. Major Technological Events \. Cyrus McCormick invents the reaper (1834) – McCormick introduced this new invention to his workers that worked hard, gruesome, hours. The reaper was a horse drawn farm tool to cut down small crops. It also replaced the manual cutting of the crops with sickles, knives, etc. It was a useful invention to many laborers. ]. Samuel Colt patents the revolver (1835) – Samuel Colt was an American inventor and an industrialist. He was the founder of a business called Colt’s Patent Fire-Arms Manufacturing Company. In that business he made mass productions of the revolver. The revolver was a certain type of gun used for wars, hunting, etc. ^. John Deere invents the steel tipped slow (1837) – John Deere was an Illinois blacksmith and manufacturer. In 1837 he designed the first steel tipped plow. It was used to assist the Great Plain farmers. It was made for cutting through tough prairie grounds. IX. Major Conflict _. Texas war for independence – Texas was owned by many different people. It was owned by the French and also owned by Spanish at one point. At this point in time, though, it was owned by Mexico. Texas wanted to fully be a part of America. There was history being made and a lot of expansion and different states that keep adding to the Union. Other factors came into play, but things really set them off. Just like we had to fight the British for independence, they had to fight Mexico. There were a series of battles in this war for independence, and eventually Texas officially became part of the Union. X. Presidential Evaluation `. What were the goals and objectives of the President when he came to office? How successful was he in accomplishing these goals? President Andrew Jackson and his administration had several goals. One of them was to continue expanding the western expansion in the United States. He also wanted to take the government out of the banking business, support family farmers and other people in the lower class, and also to keep the federal government from being too active. He was quite successful in most of these goals. Jackson had many goals and these were just the major goal and objectives he had for his country. . Who influenced the President in decision-making? Why were these people influential? How did they contribute to the decisions he made? President Jackson had a few people help him throughout the way. He first trusted and used his administration and cabinet for back-up and more help. Both of his parents died at a young age, along with all of his brothers as well, so they gave him a sense of moral support with all of his tough decisions as President in spirit. Also his two vice presidents were big influences of Andrew Jackson. b. Describe the President’s leadership style Andrew Jackson was a tremendous general in creating American control in the south/southeast. Jackson also helped capture Florida from Spain, and other things when his career revolved around the military. He definitely showed leadership in the military area, and had a lot of knowledge about the military while he was President. As president he paid off the national debt, conducted an effective foreign policy, expanded the powers of the presidency, and fought the most powerful and corrupt financial interest of his day c. What would you include as to this President’s successes in office? President Andrew Jackson was very successful during his presidency in the amount of things that were accomplished and what goals and objectives he actually did accomplish as well. When Jackson was president, he added new states to the Union, he paid off a lot of the national debt in the U. S. , expanded presidential powers and duties, and he also managed to discard the tensions in South Carolina with their Ordinance of Nullification. He was one of the first President’s that was active in the frontier of the United States. d. What would you list as failures for this President’s administration? It’s said that President Andrew Jackson had many successes inside and outside of office, but he was not perfect. He had flaws. First of all, he paid off most of the national debt, but he shut down the Second Bank. That caused a small depression in the economy and it later caused the Panic of 1837 after Jackson left office, causing many people grief. Many people also gave him a really hard time since he had some of the blame. He also made some bad choices when he chose his cabinet in his first term. e. In what areas did this President either continue or break with policies introduced by previous Presidents? Andrew Jackson kept quite a few of the policies created and enforced by presidents before Jackson. He mostly kept all of the policies except for one. He did not agree with a ridiculously strong federal government unlike many and also strongly disagreed with the Second Bank of the Unites States. He disliked it so much that he got rid of it. Basically Jackson stayed pretty faithful with the path left behind him, but had several different opinions and different choices. f. In what ways did this President influence decisions made by future Presidents? Jackson was not the biggest role model by future presidents. He had many events in his presidency, but not many people remember him for what he did to our country. He definitely set an example for us to follow, but many may not know what he did or if he was a good president or not. g. Without looking at lists created by historians, how would you rate this President on a scale from 1 to 10? (With ten being the highest. ) Briefly explain why you chose this rating. In my opinion, I would rate President Andrew Jackson as 6 out of 10. He did many admirable things for the American people that benefitted them. He completely wiped out the national debt, expanded the union, etc. Andrew Jackson was the first president elected by a majority of the popular vote. He did manage to avoid the simmering of possible secession with a strong central government. Despite these good things that have happened to him, he had weaknesses, and the weaknesses were pretty big. By killing the Second Bank of the United States, he brought the Panic of 1837 along with him. Also, no president wants a war in their term, and he did. He actually had quite a few. He definitely had more successes than failures in quantity so 6 out of 10 seem like an ideal score for Mr. Jackson.

The Opening Sequince of Witness by Peter Weir Essay Example

The Opening Sequince of Witness by Peter Weir Essay â€Å"Witness† is an American film made in 1985 produced by Australian film maker Peter Weir; he has successfully conveyed many themes, issues and concepts in this film. The opening scene of the film â€Å"Witness† establishes many features of the film. These features include the camera shots, camera angles, light, sound, and dialogue, positioning of characters and setting. The opening scene is significant as it examines the concepts of ; how the peaceful Amish communities are marginalised and isolated from the modern world; the sense of unity and affinity the Amish culture have with the land; and the contrast between the two different worlds of the slow paced and peaceful life style of the Amish and the fast paced, materialistic, hectic lifestyle of the modern world. In the peaceful Amish community, the examination of marginalisation and isolation from the modern world in which they co- exist is examined. The Amish culture differ from modern day culture dramatically as they are virtually fundamentalists and live very simply and do not have any material goods as we do. The Amish people reject modern conveniences such as cars,, television, electricity and the telephone, living self sufficiently from the land working together to make everyday necessities such as their simple clothing, food, furniture and housing. Weir shows the audience that the alternate lifestyle of the Amish is not â€Å"weird†, but strangely enlightened. The terms isolated and marginalised are often used to describe the social process of becoming or being alienated from the society around them. When placed into the society in which they are marginalised the ideas, values, habits to which these individual Amish members are accustomed are challenged or contradicted by the ideas, values and customs of the modern day group or community they enter. We will write a custom essay sample on The Opening Sequince of Witness by Peter Weir specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on The Opening Sequince of Witness by Peter Weir specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on The Opening Sequince of Witness by Peter Weir specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer In the film Witness Peter Weir has created two different worlds with different value systems. The close up shot of individual Amish faces in the cramped room at the funeral creates a sense of close community, but also highlights the fact that they are confined from the outside world. Culture is also evident as the mysterious German language in which they speak represents a religious tradition, confinement and isolation from the English spoken society around them. The Amish widow Rachel Lapp is taking her young son Samuel to Philadelphia for the first time, to stay with her sister whilst she morns and recovers the loss of her husband; The long shot of the Samuel at the train station, trying to work out how the bubblers works, highlights his fragile and innocent personality, it emphasize the differences of the two worlds due to the isolation and marginalisation of the Amish community. The mid shot of Rachel trying to perchance a train ticket when another person pushes her out of the frame suggests that the different worlds can’t work together and that there are existing conflicts between the Amish and people modern world, it implies that the modern world has rejected her and her culture, creating a sense of isolation and marginalisation. The examination of the contrast between the two worlds of the slow paced and peaceful life style of the Amish and the fast paced, hectic lifestyle of the modern world is shown through the collision of two worlds; the idealistic world of the Amish comes into conflict with the ugly main culture of the modern world. The camera is set at Samuels head height showing the fast paced movements of the passing modern society and its people. At the start of the movie, before the murder scene, we see Samuel exploring around the train station, walking slowly in indifference to everyone else who are rushing about to be places. This reinforces the concept that the Amish community live a simplistic slow paced lifestyle. The slow paced opening credits relate to the Amish world as they are black and white, this echo’s the values and the slow pace of the Amish culture. The close up of the wheels on the Horse and buggy highlights the Amish’s pre-modern form of transport, The shot of the Horse and buggy which moves to long shot of a semi trailer following close behind, juxtaposes the difference between Amish and the modern American world, it highlights the difference in pace, in which the individuals feel they have to move. After close analysis, Peter Weir’s â€Å"Witness† successfully portray fascinating ideas to the audience. The idea of their unity and affinity with the land is suggested. Through the opening scene the sense of unity and the peaceful nature of the Amish community is examined through the wide shot of long, luscious grass, with the Amish emerging from as if they’re from the land itself. This shot is accompanied by natural abundant lighting, again suggesting there natural ifestyle and highlighting the gentle nature of the people thus establishing the Amish effectively as peaceful people who are in harmony with nature. Weir uses the techniques of the long shot in the opening scene where human figures walking together, whilst only seeing half of their body as if they are coming from the earth, the next shot of the close up of the human figures clearly demonstrating that they are Amish people, with this angle shot Weir has demonstrated the unity of the Amish community a s they walk as one together with the earth. Throughout this film Weir has clearly presented the concepts of,; how the peaceful Amish communities are marginalised and isolated from the modern world; the sense of unity and affinity the Amish culture have with the land; and the contrast between the two different worlds of the slow paced and peaceful life style of the Amish and the fast paced, materialistic, hectic lifestyle of the modern world.