Lord Edward Cavendish, father of Victor, represented West Derbyshire in the House of Commons.
Upon his death in 1891, Victor succeeded him unapposed. He was the youngest member
of the House. He was Treasurer to His Majesty's Household from 1900 to 1903 and
Financial Secretary to the Treasury from 1903 to 1905. He remained in the House until 1908.

In 1908, he became the 9th Duke of Devonshire and a member of the House of Lords
upon the death of his uncle. He was appointed Chancellor of the University of Leeds
from 1909 to his death in 1938. Eastbourne and Chesterfield were privileged to have him
as their Mayor from 1909 - 1910 and 1911 - 1912 respectively.
Between 1915 and 1916 he was Civil Lord of the British Admiralty.

Victor Christian William Cavendish, Duke of Devonshire was appointed
Governor General of Canada in 1916. He was sworn in on 22 Nove 1916 in Halifax.
The appointment of the Duke of Devonshire as Governor General caused some short lived
political problems because Prime Minister Borden's government had not been consulted
by the British Prime Minister. Such consultation was an established practice,
and the insult Prime Minister Borden felt,
caused considerable difficulties at first.

The Duke of Devonshire quickly overcame the initial suspicion of his appointment.
He displayed great dignity and wisdom, particularly with the many Canadians he met.
Prime Ministers Borden and Meighen came to view him as a personal friend and a friend
of Canada. Borden spoke these words of the Duke of Devonshire,
"No Governor General has come with a more comprehensive grasp of public questions as they
touch not only this country and the United Kingdom, but the whole Empire."

World War I still raged, and Canada continued to commit supplies and troops.
The troops were victorious at Vimy Ridge in 1917 which confirmed their fighting ability.
It also brought Pride and Nationalism to the Canadians.

Lady Evelyn Emily Mary, the Duchess of Devonshire, became active in volunteer
organizations to help those affected by the war.
She visited many military hospitals across the country.

The war was also causing social problems. The Duke was careful to consult with
Prime Minister Borden and opposition leaders over their difficulties,
and to not interfere in political matters.

The Duke of Devonshire was very interested in the Canadians and their lives and made
several trips across the county. However, he did not intervene in politics.
He visited President Woodrow Wilson in 1918 at the White House in Wahsington D.C.
In 1919 he received the Prince of Wales in Ottawa when he toured Canada.

He was interested in agriculture and visited many agricultural and horticultural fairs and shows.
He established the Duke of Devonshire Trophy for the Ottawa Horticultural Society.
He was a patron of the arts and often visted the National Gallery of Canada.
He encourage frequent theatrical perfomances at Rideau Hall as well as skating and
tobogganing on the grounds in the winter. The Duchess of Devonshire was the first woman
to plant a ceremonial tree on the grounds of Rideau Hall. She planted a sugar maple.

The Duke and Duchess had a residence at La Citadelle in Quebec City
where they enjoyed spending their time.

When his term in Canada was finished, The Duke of Devonshire returned to England.
He worked for the League of Nations. He became the Secretary of State
for the Colonies until his retirement from political life in 1024.