Canning, George

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Canning, George (1770–1827) British statesman, prime minister (1827) He was Tory foreign minister (1807–10, 1822–24), favouring vigorous measures against Napoleon I. He became prime minister in coalition with the Whigs, but died four months later. His liberalism, such as support for South American independence, made him a maverick among Tories, some of whom refused to serve with him.

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