In London, Lord Palmerston returns as Prime Minister of a new Whig-Liberal government

After a three day debate on the Queen's Speech to the newly elected Parliament, the opposition coalition of Whigs, Radicals, and Liberals rejected a Conservative attempt to continue minority government.   Earl Derby, the returning Prime Minister, resigned the following week and the Opposition coalition took power on June 18, 1859 with Lord Palmerston as Prime Minister. This was the first exercise of power by the newly formed Liberal Party. Palmerston would lead British policy during all the years of the American Civil War. (By John Osborne)