Under-Secretary of State for War and the Colonies facts for kids
The Under-Secretary of State for War and the Colonies was an important job in the United Kingdom government. It was a junior role, meaning it was below the main Secretary of State for War and the Colonies. Think of it like a deputy or assistant to a very busy minister.
This position was created in 1801. Before that, there were two separate jobs: the Under-Secretary of State for War (who dealt with military matters) and the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies (who looked after the British colonies around the world). These two roles were combined into one to make things more efficient. However, after a bit more than 50 years, in 1854, the jobs were split up again into their original separate positions.
Who Held This Important Job?
From 1801 to 1854, many different people served as the Under-Secretary of State for War and the Colonies. These individuals helped manage the British Empire's military affairs and its many colonies across the globe. They played a key role in how Britain interacted with its territories and defended its interests during a very busy time in history.
The people who held this position included well-known figures and others who were just starting their political careers. They worked closely with the main Secretary of State to make sure the government's plans for war and the colonies were carried out.
After 1854, the jobs of Under-Secretary of State for War and Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies became separate again.
| Northern Department 1660–1782 Secretaries Undersecretaries |
Foreign Office 1782–1968 Secretaries Ministers Undersecretaries |
Foreign and Commonwealth Office 1968–2020 Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office since 2020 Secretaries Ministers Undersecretaries |
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| Southern Department 1660–1768 Secretaries Undersecretaries |
Colonial Office 1768–1782 Secretaries Undersecretaries |
Home Office 1782–1794 Secretaries Undersecretaries |
War Office 1794–1801 Secretaries Undersecretaries |
War and Colonial Office 1801–1854 Secretaries Undersecretaries |
Colonial Office 1854–1925 Secretaries Undersecretaries |
Colonial Office 1925–1966 Secretaries Ministers Undersecretaries |
Commonwealth Office 1966–1968 Secretaries Ministers Undersecretaries |
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| Southern Department 1768–1782 Secretaries Undersecretaries |
Dominions Office 1925–1947 Secretaries Undersecretaries |
Commonwealth Relations Office 1947–1966 Secretaries Ministers Undersecretaries |
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| . | India Office 1858–1937 Secretaries Undersecretaries |
India Office and Burma Office 1937–1947 Secretaries Undersecretaries |
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