George Canning vs William McMahon

Canning was appointed Foreign Secretary, a role he held until 1827. He pursued a policy of non-intervention in European affairs, recognized the independence of Latin American republics, and supported Greek independence from the Ottoman Empire.

As Foreign Secretary, Canning negotiated the Treaty of London with France and Russia, which demanded an armistice in the Greek War of Independence and offered mediation. This led to the eventual independence of Greece from the Ottoman Empire.

George Canning became Prime Minister of the United Kingdom in April 1827, succeeding Lord Liverpool. His appointment was controversial due to his support for Catholic emancipation, leading several Tory ministers to resign.

Canning died on August 8, 1827, after only 119 days as Prime Minister, making his tenure the shortest in British history. His death was attributed to pneumonia or tuberculosis, and he was succeeded by Lord Goderich.

Canning advocated for the removal of legal restrictions on Roman Catholics in the United Kingdom. His stance caused a split in the Tory Party, with opponents like the Duke of Wellington refusing to serve under him.

McMahon was appointed Minister for External Affairs in the Gorton government. He handled Australia's foreign relations, including the ongoing involvement in the Vietnam War and relations with the United States.

McMahon became Prime Minister on 10 March 1971 after John Gorton's resignation. He led the Liberal-Country Party coalition until the 1972 election.

McMahon's government was defeated in the 1972 federal election by Gough Whitlam's Labor Party. This ended 23 years of Liberal-Country Party coalition rule and marked a significant political shift in Australia.