Viscount Palmerston

Palmerston, Viscount (1784–1865), British politician remembered for his successful and often aggressive foreign policy. As foreign secretary (1830–34, 1835–41, 1846–51), he was instrumental in securing Belgian independence and maintaining peace in Europe during the revolutions of 1848. As prime minister (1855–58, 1859–65), he led Britain to victory in the Crimean War, maintained neutrality in the American Civil War, and aided the unification of Italy.

See also: United Kingdom.