Robert Stewart, Viscount Castlereagh: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 10:44, 26 September 2005

Revision as of 10:46, 26 September 2005

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In [[1790]], Stewart took the seat of County Down and entered the [[Irish House of Commons]] as a [[Whig]] on a platform supporting electoral reform and Catholic Emancipation. In [[1794]], he won the English seat of [[Tregony]] on a similar platform. In 1795, he crossed the floor to join the Tories, but his initial principles of reform and emancipation always held a place in his political thought.

By [[1797]], he had risen to the post of [[Chief Secretary for Ireland]]. In this capacity, he played a key role in quashing the [[1798 Irish Uprising]]. In [[1800]], he began lobbying in the Irish and British Parliaments for an official union between the two, convinced that it was the best way to soothe the long-standing sectarian divides in Ireland. After an outstanding display of machiavellian tactical geniusprowess, he got his wish and the [[1801 Act of Union|Irish Act of Union]] succeded in passing both parliaments.

After serving in various positions in the Pitt and Addington governments, Castlereagh became [[Secretary of State for War and the Colonies]] in the [[William Cavendish-Bentinck, 3rd Duke of Portland|Duke of Portland's]] administration in [[1807]]. In that role he became involved in disputes with [[Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs|Foreign Secretary]] [[George Canning]] over the failure of the [[Walcheren Expedition]], and the two fought a duel late in [[1809]]. This forced both of their resignations from the government.