George Canning

The Right Honourable George Canning (11 April 1770-8 August 1827) was a British politician who served as Foreign Secretary and, briefly, Prime Minister.

Elevation to Office

On 2 November 1795, Canning received his first ministerial post: Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs. In this post he proved a strong supporter of Pitt, often taking his side in disputes with the Foreign Secretary Lord Grenville. He resigned this post on 1 April 1799.

Related Topics:
2 November - 1795 - Under Secretary of State - Foreign Secretary - Lord Grenville - 1 April - 1799

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In 1799 Canning became a commissioner of the Board of Control, followed by Paymaster of the Forces in 1800. When Pitt resigned in 1801, Canning loyally followed him into opposition and again returned to office in 1804 with Pitt becoming Treasurer of the Navy.

Related Topics:
1799 - Paymaster of the Forces - 1800 - 1801 - 1804 - Treasurer of the Navy

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When Pitt died in 1806, Canning left office but the next year he was appointed Foreign Secretary in the new government of the Duke of Portland. Given key responsibilities for the country's diplomacy in the Napoleonic Wars, he was responsible for planning the outmanoeuvring of Napoleon Bonaparte at Copenhagen.

Related Topics:
1806 - Duke of Portland - Napoleonic Wars - Napoleon Bonaparte - Copenhagen

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