Northern Department facts for kids
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| Department overview | |
|---|---|
| Formed | 1660 |
| Dissolved | 1782 |
| Superseding agency | |
| Jurisdiction | Kingdom of Great Britain |
| Minister responsible | |
The Northern Department was an important part of the government in England and later Great Britain. It existed from 1660 until 1782. Its main job was to handle both foreign affairs (dealing with other countries) and some domestic affairs (things happening inside the country). In 1782, its jobs were split up and given to two new departments: the Home Office and the Foreign Office.
Contents
What the Northern Department Did
The Northern Department worked alongside another department called the Southern Department. Both departments were in charge of foreign and domestic matters.
Dealing with Other Countries
The Northern Department handled foreign affairs for specific parts of the world. It was responsible for relations with countries like:
- Russia
- Sweden
- Denmark-Norway (which included Denmark and Norway at the time)
- Poland
- The Netherlands
- The German states within the Holy Roman Empire
Handling Things at Home
Both the Northern and Southern Departments shared the work for domestic affairs. This meant they both dealt with issues happening inside England and Great Britain. After England and Scotland joined to form the Kingdom of Great Britain, they also shared responsibility for Scottish affairs. However, this was only when there wasn't a special Secretary of State for Scotland in charge. They also shared duties for planning military strategies overseas.
Who Was in Charge?
The main person leading the Northern Department was called the Secretary of State for the Northern Department. This person was a very important government official.
Changes in 1782
In 1782, the way the government worked changed. The Northern and Southern Departments were reorganized. Their foreign responsibilities were taken over by the new Foreign Office. Their domestic responsibilities were given to the new Home Office. This made the government more organized and efficient.
| Northern Department 1660–1782 Secretaries — Undersecretaries |
Southern Department 1660–1768 Secretaries — Undersecretaries |
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| Colonial Office 1768–1782 Secretaries — Undersecretaries |
Southern Department 1768–1782 Secretaries — Undersecretaries |
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| Foreign Office 1782–1968 Secretaries — Ministers — Undersecretaries |
Home Office 1782–1794 Secretaries — Undersecretaries |
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| War Office 1794–1801 Secretaries — Undersecretaries |
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| War and Colonial Office 1801–1854 Secretaries — Undersecretaries |
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| Colonial Office 1854–1925 Secretaries — Undersecretaries |
India Office 1858–1937 Secretaries — Undersecretaries |
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| Colonial Office 1925–1966 Secretaries — Ministers — Undersecretaries |
Dominions Office 1925–1947 Secretaries — Undersecretaries |
India Office and Burma Office 1937–1947 Secretaries — Undersecretaries |
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| Commonwealth Relations Office 1947–1966 Secretaries — Ministers — Undersecretaries |
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| Commonwealth Office 1966–1968 Secretaries — Ministers — Undersecretaries |
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| Foreign and Commonwealth Office 1968–2020 Secretaries — Ministers — Undersecretaries |
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| Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office Since 2020 Secretaries — Ministers — Undersecretaries |
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See also
