2- Government: Pitt the younger and his successors Flashcards
What was the relationship like between Pitt and the King?
He remained loyal to the king who rewarded him with continued support
What was the political crisis of 1782?
The loss of the american colonies
the king was forced to accept a whig ministry led by lord Rockingham
What happened to Shelburne’s ministry?
the two opposing factions of Lord North and Charles James fox brought him down
Why was Pitt appointed?
The King wanted to bring down the North- Fox coalition. He had made a strong impression as chancellor of the exchequer
What was the Mince pie admistration?
December 1783 - no member of commons would serve in Pitt’s cabinet leaving it made up of lords
It was impossible to pass any measures in parliament
Cartoonists said it would not last past Christmas
What was the outcome of the 1784 election?
Gave Pitt the opportunity to secure a majority over Fox. The King used his influence to help Pitt
How did Pitt solve the issue of the National debt?
Creation of the sinking fund
How did Pitt solve the issue of Trade?
advocate for free trade
reduced heavy customs duties
smuggling thrived under old tariffs
Consolidations act of 1787
Book of rates published
Pitt’s hovering act made smuggling difficult
Board of trade established
What new taxes were introduced by Pitt?
indirect taxes on things such as horses, coaches, windows, bricks and servants
Did Pitt establish any commercial treaties?
Strongly opposed by others to trade with Ireland
Successful trade treaty with France in 1786 short lived by the french revolution
What were the outcomes of Pitt’s trade reforms?
by 1793 government revenue had increased by 4 million
Smuggling was reduced
restored national credit and confidence
put Britain in a stronger position to fight with France
What administrative problems did Pitt face?
no set procedures in government
roles of various ministries overlapped
MP’s took advantages of things such as free post
significant corruption
sinecure offices and pensions cost the government unecessary funds
What administrative solutions did Pitt put in place?
abolished hundreds of Sinecure offices
devised a new budgeting system
created a consolidated fund at the bank of England
abolished system of free post
Audit office to oversee expenditure
reorganised the cabinet
Why did Pitt resign in 1801?
George III’s refusal to accept catholic emancipation that he had promised with the act of union in 1800
Who succeded Pitt as PM?
Lord Grenville
