Lord Palmerston vs Numa Droz

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.

Numa Droz was elected to the Swiss Federal Council at age 31, representing the canton of Neuch

Droz served his first of two terms as President of the Swiss Confederation, holding the office in 1881 and 1887. The presidency rotates annually among Federal Councillors.

As head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, Droz represented Switzerland in international diplomacy. He worked to maintain Swiss neutrality and strengthen ties with neighboring countries.

Droz resigned from the Federal Council to become the director of the Universal Postal Union (UPU) in Bern. His resignation ended his 17-year tenure in the Swiss executive.

Droz became the director of the Universal Postal Union, an international organization coordinating postal services among member states. He served in this role until his death in 1899.