George Canning

Date of Birth: April 11, 1770

Zodiac Sign: Aries

Date of Death: August 8, 1827

Biography

George Canning was a prominent British statesman who played a crucial role in shaping British politics during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Born into modest circumstances, Canning rose through the ranks of British political life to become one of the most influential figures of his time. He started his career as a member of the Parliament in 1793 and quickly became known for his oratory skills and political acumen. Canning held various significant positions, including Foreign Secretary and, briefly, Prime Minister. Canning was a leading advocate for the abolition of the slave trade and was instrumental in promoting British interests abroad. His tenure as Foreign Secretary was marked by efforts to support independence movements in Latin America, which earned him international acclaim. Canning’s time as Prime Minister was short-lived, lasting only 119 days due to his untimely death, but his influence on British foreign policy and his support for liberal causes left a lasting legacy.

5 Interesting Facts about George Canning

1. George Canning served as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom for just 119 days, the shortest tenure in British history.

2. He was a close ally of William Pitt the Younger and played a significant role in his administration.

3. Canning was a staunch advocate for the abolition of the slave trade and supported the Abolition Act of 1807.

4. He is known for the Canning Doctrine, which supported the independence of Latin American countries from Spanish rule.

5. Canning was also a notable poet and satirist, often using his literary talents to criticize political opponents.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from George Canning

1. “I called the New World into existence to redress the balance of the Old.”

2. “In matters of commerce, the fault of the Dutch is giving too little and asking too much.”

3. “The thing is settled; the dye is cast; the Rubicon is passed.”

4. “A steady patriot of the world alone, the friend of every country but his own.”

5. “Away with the cant of ‘measures, not men!’—the idle supposition that it is the harness, and not the horses, that draw the chariot along.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

George Canning’s highest net worth is not well-documented, but as a prominent statesman and holder of high offices, he would have been relatively well-off for his time.

Children

George Canning had four children with his wife, Joan Scott. Their names were George Charles Canning, William Pitt Canning, Harriet Canning, and Charles John Canning, who later became the Earl Canning and served as the Governor-General and Viceroy of India.