Earl of Rosebery

It can be said that the Earl of Rosebery lived 10 years longer than the generation after him, and lived more than 20 years longer than the previous generation. His future was bright until he became Prime Minister in 1894, but this evaporated before the collapse of his government and the Liberal Party's defeat in 1895. Four years later, he supported the South African War (the Second Boer War) as an expansionist and patriot, a role that broke the respect and trust he held among a large section of the Liberal Radical masses. His resignation as leader of the Liberal Party has lifted their allegiance to him. In 1905, when the Balfour cabinet was about to fall, Rosebery made a clear statement against the Irish Home Rule Bill, prudently and decisively giving up the interest of sharing in the Liberal Party's upcoming victory and long-term power. He cut off ties with friends and followers through deliberate actions. "Content to let the occasion die", he withdrew from all competition for political leadership; he deliberately erected insurmountable obstacles to his return; he isolated himself with an attitude of indifference and true detachment. It was widely known that no proposal could impress him. By 1905, his political career was completely over. It was not until 1929 that his long life came to an end.

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