Skip to main content

Blog History of government

Organisations:
The National Archives, Prime Minister's Office, 10 Downing Street

Keith Mitchell

I have worked for The National Archives for over 12 years. I am presently part of the Foreign and Contemporary Team.
I have interests in Foreign and Colonial records and family history. I have given talks on Overseas births, marriages and deaths and Phillippe d'Auvergne, RN.
With the vast collection of Public Records, it is easy to find a new and interesting subject to research.

South America and the power of steam

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: Foreign affairs and diplomacy, The National Archives

The independence of South America bought an influx of opportunities for commerce and investment from Europe and North America. Everyone wanted a piece of the newly opened continent. Merchants, industrialists, and entrepreneurs arrived to make their fortunes.
Why could South America not follow European and North American railway expansion to modernise the infrastructure and open access to the remote country?

British diplomacy and the independence of South America

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: Foreign affairs and diplomacy, The National Archives

The independence of many South American countries from Spanish and Portuguese rule followed uprisings and wars from 1806 to the mid-1820s. British diplomacy in the independence of South America was, generally, about trade. Britain was an ally with Portugal and …

The Hertslets, a Family of Librarians

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: Foreign affairs and diplomacy, Foreign Office Historians, The National Archives
Map of Africa, 1894, Catalogue Ref: MFQ 1/166

There are various departments within the civil service which were, you could say, family affairs. The Foreign Office was undoubtedly the department in which this practice was the most spread. Appointments to the diplomatic service were often based upon recommendations and who …

Related content and links

History of government

This blog gives insights into the history of government – its development, its departments and some of the roles and people involved. Find out more.

Categories

Contributors include:

Sign up and manage updates

Follow us

Recent Posts

Comments and moderation

Read our guidelines