How and why did Pitt come to power and stay in power for so long? Flashcards Preview

History > How and why did Pitt come to power and stay in power for so long? > Flashcards

Flashcards in How and why did Pitt come to power and stay in power for so long? Deck (5)
Loading flashcards...
1
Q

Royal support

A
  • George had a lot of resentment to North/Fox coalition
  • George disliked Whigs
  • By Jan 1794- King postponed election due to lack of support
  • March 1784 election- Pitt gained majority due to t=a host of reasons….
  • King bribed using sinecures
  • Septennial act 1716- cutting time of previous gov- advantaged Pitt not Whigs
  • George’s support= lucky circumstances
  • Unlikely Pitt would have succeeded without George- host of reasons….
2
Q

Intro

A
  • Came to power on 19th Dec 1783
  • Due to support of George III King
  • Premiership= personal skills e.g. Regency crisis
3
Q

Person skills

A
  • Pitt’s father- most famous statesmen of the eighteenth century gave him understanding of finances
  • Suggested the election to be postponed- shows initiative
  • Led to wider appreciation for Pitt, gaining support of independent MP’s
  • combined skill of him and royal support
  • 1785 reform bill - shows Pitt’s skill to indicating his progressive outlook
  • Regency crisis- presented Pitt with dilemma but shows initiative to change law Feb 1789 to let queen guard King’s interest
4
Q

Weaknesses of the Whig’s

A
  • major factor aiding Pitt into power and staying in power
  • King disliked them- due to North/Fox and Whig’s in general- elaborate
  • Norths administration continuously undermined by problems in `ireland- War of American Independence - defeat of British force in Yorktown Oct 1781
  • North= questionable reputation of a womaniser
5
Q

Conclusion

A
  • Whigs= contributory factor
  • But main reason= March 1784 election
  • Significant= sinecures offered by King= allowed Pitt’s majority of 31 MP’s in the election.
  • Pitt’s skill= main reason- handling situations well e.g. regency crisis.