# Henry Temple, 3rd Viscount Palmerston

> British statesman and prime minister (1784–1865)

**Wikidata**: [Q193656](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q193656)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henry_John_Temple,_3rd_Viscount_Palmerston)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/henry-temple-3rd-viscount-palmerston

## Summary
Henry John Temple, 3rd Viscount Palmerston (1784–1865), was a British statesman and politician who served as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom twice, in 1855–1858 and 1859–1865. He is best known for his influential role in shaping 19th-century British foreign policy and his leadership during pivotal moments in European and imperial politics.

## Biography
- Born: October 20, 1784
- Nationality: United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland
- Education: Harrow School, St John's College, Cambridge
- Known for: Leadership in British foreign policy and two terms as Prime Minister
- Employer(s): British Government (as Prime Minister and other ministerial roles)
- Field(s): Politics, Diplomacy, Government

## Contributions
Henry Temple, 3rd Viscount Palmerston, made significant contributions to British political and diplomatic history. As Foreign Secretary, he oversaw British foreign policy during turbulent periods in Europe, including the Crimean War and the Italian unification movement. He also served as Prime Minister twice, leading the United Kingdom through major geopolitical shifts. His tenure was marked by a strong emphasis on national interest and liberal interventionism.

## FAQs
### What is Henry Temple, 3rd Viscount Palmerston known for?
He is known for his influential role in British foreign policy and his two terms as Prime Minister, where he shaped the UK’s stance in global affairs.

### What roles did Henry Temple, 3rd Viscount Palmerston hold in the British government?
He held multiple high-level positions, including Foreign Secretary and First Lord of the Admiralty, in addition to serving as Prime Minister during two non-consecutive terms.

### What were his major political achievements?
Palmerston was instrumental in British foreign policy, particularly during the Crimean War and in managing relations with emerging European powers. He also supported liberal reforms and opposed the expansion of the Russian Empire.

### Where did Henry Temple, 3rd Viscount Palmerston study?
He was educated at Harrow School and St John's College, Cambridge.

### What awards or honors did Henry Temple, 3rd Viscount Palmerston receive?
He was a Fellow of the Royal Society and a recipient of the Order of the Garter.

### What was his political philosophy?
Palmerston was known for a pragmatic and assertive foreign policy, often favoring British interests and liberal interventionism in international affairs.

## Why They Matter
Henry Temple, 3rd Viscount Palmerston, is significant for his role in defining British foreign policy in the 19th century. His leadership during the Crimean War and his efforts to maintain the balance of power in Europe influenced global diplomacy. His tenure as Prime Minister solidified Britain’s role as a dominant world power, and his policies had long-term effects on the British Empire’s international relations.

## Notable For
- Serving as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom twice
- Shaping British foreign policy in the 19th century
- Leading Britain during the Crimean War
- Advocating for liberal interventionism
- Being a Fellow of the Royal Society
- Receiving the Order of the Garter

## Body

### Early Life and Education
Henry John Temple, 3rd Viscount Palmerston, was born on October 20, 1784. He was educated at Harrow School and St John's College, Cambridge. His early education laid the foundation for a career in politics and diplomacy.

### Political Career
Palmerston entered politics as a Tory and later aligned with the Whigs. He held several high-ranking government positions:
- **Secretary at War (1809–1828)**: Oversaw military logistics and reforms.
- **Foreign Secretary (1830–1834, 1835–1841, 1846–1851)**: Managed British foreign policy during critical periods, including the Crimean War and the rise of Italian unification movements.
- **Prime Minister (1855–1858, 1859–1865)**: Led Britain through major geopolitical changes and maintained its global influence.

### Contributions to Foreign Policy
Palmerston was a dominant figure in 19th-century diplomacy:
- **Crimean War (1853–1856)**: He supported the Ottoman Empire against Russia, aligning with Britain's strategic interests.
- **Italian Unification**: Supported liberal movements in Italy, reflecting his belief in national self-determination.
- **Liberal Interventionism**: Advocated for the use of British power to support liberal governments and resist autocratic expansion.

### Affiliations and Recognitions
Palmerston was associated with several prestigious institutions:
- **Fellow of the Royal Society**: Recognized for contributions to intellectual and scientific discourse.
- **Order of the Garter**: Honored for public service and leadership.

### Legacy and Influence
Palmerston's legacy includes:
- Strengthening Britain’s global influence through assertive foreign policy.
- Promoting liberal values and national sovereignty.
- Shaping the modern British political and diplomatic framework.

### Personal Life and Death
- **Died**: October 18, 1865
- **Citizenship**: United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland
- **Education**: Harrow School, St John's College, Cambridge
- **Employers**: British Government (multiple roles)
- **Fields**: Politics, Diplomacy, Government

Palmerston remains a central figure in British history, remembered for his dynamic leadership and enduring influence on the nation’s political and diplomatic identity.

## References

1. Integrated Authority File
2. Source
3. The Peerage
4. The History of Parliament
5. Hansard 1803–2005
6. International Standard Name Identifier
7. Virtual International Authority File
8. BnF authorities
9. CiNii Research
10. [Source](http://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/a/A13530954)
11. SNAC
12. Find a Grave
13. Brockhaus Enzyklopädie
14. GeneaStar
15. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
16. [History of Henry John Temple, 3rd Viscount Palmerston - GOV.UK](https://www.gov.uk/government/history/past-prime-ministers/henry-john-temple-3rd-viscount-palmerston)
17. BBC Things
18. LIBRIS. 2004
19. Bibliography of the History of the Czech Lands
20. Catalogo of the National Library of India