Meaning of end of political life

Solution 1:

In this instance and context, end = the [final] goal; the purpose.

OED

14. a. An intended result of an action; an aim, purpose. (Cf. Latin finis.)

1875 B. Jowett tr. Plato Dialogues (ed. 2) V. 323 They may fairly use a little violence in order to accomplish their end.

b. In phrases, for or to this (that, what, which) end, to no end. Also in conjunctional phrase, to the end (that); formerly also, †to the end to (with infinitive).Now somewhat archaic or rhetorical; the ordinary phrase is in order (that or to).

1849 T. B. Macaulay Hist. Eng. I. 170 For these ends, and for these ends alone, he wished to obtain arbitrary power.

15. A final cause; the object for which a thing exists; the purpose for which it is designed or instituted.

1776 E. Gibbon Decline & Fall I. xxiv. 702 I have considered the happiness of the people as the end of government.

1869 J. Ruskin Queen of Air §60 The flower is the end or proper object of the seed.