Lord Hardinge vs Lord Palmerston

Lord Hardinge served as Viceroy of India from 1910 to 1916, a period that included the outbreak of World War I. He oversaw India's significant contribution to the war effort, including the deployment of Indian troops to Europe and the Middle East, and managed the resulting economic and political strains.

Lord Hardinge announced the transfer of the capital of British India from Calcutta to Delhi at the Delhi Durbar in 1911. This decision was intended to strengthen British rule by associating with Mughal heritage and to better administer the northern regions. The new capital was inaugurated in 1931.

Lord Hardinge's government faced a wave of revolutionary activities, including the assassination attempt on him in 1912 (the Delhi Conspiracy). He responded with repressive measures, including the Defence of India Act 1915, which gave the government sweeping powers to detain suspects without trial.

Lord Hardinge was the target of a bomb attack during a state procession in Delhi on December 23, 1912. The attack, carried out by Indian revolutionaries, killed his servant and injured Hardinge. He survived but was severely wounded. The event intensified British crackdown on revolutionary groups.

Palmerston, as Foreign Secretary, ordered a naval blockade of Greek ports in 1850 to enforce claims of British subject Don Pacifico. His 'Civis Romanus Sum' speech in Parliament defended the right to protect British citizens abroad, asserting British naval power.

Palmerston became Prime Minister on February 6, 1855, during the Crimean War. His energetic leadership and focus on military reform helped improve the war effort. He remained a dominant figure in British politics, serving as PM for most of the next decade.

Palmerston's government pursued the Second Opium War (1856-1860) against China, following the Arrow incident. British forces captured Canton and Beijing, forcing China to legalize the opium trade and open more ports. This expanded British commercial interests in East Asia.

Palmerston's government responded to the Indian Rebellion of 1857 by sending reinforcements and passing the Government of India Act 1858, which transferred control of India from the East India Company to the British Crown. This ended Company rule and began the British Raj.