How successful was Disraeli's foreign + imperial policies from 1874-1880 in achieving his objectives

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How successful was Disraeli’s foreign + imperial policies from 1874-1880 in achieving his objectives?

Conservative foreign policy dominated by Disraeli was seen as forward looking and active with strong emphasis placed on maintaining Britain’s Naval and Trading Power. Disraeli also had a huge heart to see Britain remain as a dominant power to be reckoned with in Europe and Asia. He longed to adopt a more imperialistic approach in his foreign policy. He focussed on fortifying his empire but also on expanding where possible.  Disraeli found however that time and other circumstances affected these objectives.

Disraeli was willing to take risks to enhance British prestige. In 1875, to protect the “lifeline” of the empire, he took personal responsibility for borrowing 4 million pounds to purchase for the government the shares in the Suez Canal that were owned by the khedive of Egypt. Disraeli further emphasized his imperial policy by creating the title of Empress of India for Queen Victoria in 1876. In that year Queen Victoria created him earl of Beaconsfield in recognition of his services. All of these foreign policies showed that he had abandoned the view, popular during the middle years of the century, that colonies were a hindrance to Britain. Interestingly these foreign moves did not involve him in any European affairs but merely in affairs that concerned his colonies.

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The purchase of the Suez Canal was seen as a major triumph for Disraeli’s foreign policy. He opened up a pathway to the ‘jewel of the empire’ to improve trade and to keep the British colonies in touching distance. It was also opening Britain up to the uncertain dangers of the east. This dangerous move which secured a trade route; was similar to the move which previous governments took to securing South Africa in order to keep the trade route to India secure. Now a shortcut was created, Disraeli was continuing this objective and maintaining the trade power Britain ...

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