ABSTRACT
Canning’s importance in the history of this period hinges on the time he spent in the Foreign Office from 1796–9 and 1807–9 at two crucial periods when the British made important decisions that shaped both Europe and America. He was a moderate Tory who claimed to be a follower of Edmund Burke (whom he quotes in this speech), seeking to reform policies while maintaining the existing system. This is essentially the position he took on the emancipation issue.
