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British statesman Benjamin Disraeli delivered this commanding speech in 1872. His imperialistic ideals informed his Conservative political platform as he advocated for maintaining the British Empire. He asked his audience if they were content to be a “comfortable England,” or if they preferred the glory of remaining “a great country - an imperial country - a country where your sons, when they rise, rise to paramount positions, and obtain not merely the esteem of their countrymen, but command the respect of the world.”

In 1875, Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli purchased 44 percent of the Suez Canal’s stock from the bankrupt Egyptian Khedive. He did not consult Parliament, but rather, acted quickly to obtain relative control over this vital point in British trade routes. Disraeli delivered this speech to the House of Commons in 1876, explaining his decision. This choice was ultimately both popular and profitable, and it has been noted as one of Disraeli’s greatest acts as prime minister.

After Chinese authorities seized the British vessel Arrow, the Brits responded by shelling the city of Canton. This action led to the Second Opium War. The issue was brought forth to British Parliament, and in this memorable speech Richard Cobden asked the men gathered, “What are the grounds of this devastation and warfare which are now being carried on in the Canton River?” The debate over this issue continued for four days, but by the end, the majority agreed with Cobden - the attacks had been unfounded.

John Stuart Mill is regarded as one of the most influential thinkers of the Victorian Era. In this speech, he defends the practice of capital punishment. He states, “I defend this penalty, when confined to atrocious cases, on the very ground on which it is commonly attacked - on that of humanity to the criminal; as beyond comparison the least cruel mode in which it is possible adequately to deter from the crime.” Though written in the 1800s, Mill’s argument is still relevant in contemporary discussions of capital punishment.