|
Castlereagh, Robert Stewart, 2d Viscount, 1769-1822,
British statesman; b. Ireland. As acting chief secretary for Ireland, he suppressed the
French-aided rebellion of 1798. He was secretary of war (1805-6, 1807-9) during the wars
with NAPOLEON I, coordinating British land and sea power and, after early disasters in the
PENINSULAR WAR, putting the duke of WELLINGTON in command. He resigned (1809) after what
he considered to be a political betrayal by George CANNING (with whom he fought a duel).
As foreign secretary (1812-22), he helped form the final coalition against Napoleon and
obtained (1814) the "concert of Europe," later confirmed by the QUADRUPLE
ALLIANCE. He advocated a moderate peace settlement for France, and was a dominant figure
at the Congress of VIENNA. A great statesman, Castlereagh was personally cold and never
popular. He became (1821) the 2d marquess of Londonderry on his father's death, but
committed suicide the next year. |
