Ministry of All the Talents

1806-1807

A short-lived government with a rather peculiar name, under the leadership of Lord Grenville. The Ministry was comprised mainly of followers of Charles James Fox. Fox acted as Foreign Secretary until his death in September, 1806, partway through the Ministry's life. The government made an abortive attempt to negotiate with Napoleon, but were inevitably forced to military action, which was largely unsuccessful. The main accomplishment of the government was one of its last acts; in March, 1807, shortly before it fell, the Ministry passed measures to abolish the slave trade (though it was not until 1833 that slavery was abolished throughout the British Empire).

Time period(s): Georgian

Tags: Ministry of All the Talents   Lord Grenville   Charles James Fox   Napoleonic War   slavery