... 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. 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 vitally needed with India. It was ...

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