5. Political Pressures on the Government Flashcards
When was the French revolution?
1789
what did the revolution do to British Politics?
was the centre direction for the next two decades
what did Charles Fox think on the Revolution?
he thought it was a victory for democracy
what were Pitt’s thoughts on the Revolution?
he was cautious, but noy overly alarmed as he thought it would not affect the United Kingdom
what were the Radical responses to the revolution?
saw it as a victory for the radicals and wanted to pose same actions within Britain
what did protestors want within Britain at this time?
- religious toleration
- Parliamentary reforms
what was the reaction to the French Kings execution in 1793?
shocked Britain and quietened some reformers
When was the Irish uprising?
1798
How did Pitt react to the uprising?
he passed the Act of Union with Ireland
when was the Act of Union?
1800
how did Pitt bring the Irish Catholics on side with the Act of Union?
- he bribed them with promises of Catholic Emancipation
what was the problem with the promise of Emancipation?
George III intervened stopping the Emancipation, leading Pitt to resign through principle
when did Pitt resign?
1801
what did the Act of Union mean?
the unification of Britain and Northern Ireland
did Pitt overreact with all of these laws?
many historians believe he did, but at the time the majority supported Pitt
what did the French Revolution do to the Whig party?
split the Whig opinion,
- one side were pro-revolution led by Fox
- the other side were anti-revolution who gradually moved support to Pitt as rumours of the ‘Terror’ began
- Burke was one of the first Whigs to side with Pitt
what happened to the Whigs that sided with Pitt?
- good place within the War Cabinet
- Duke of Portland was rewarded with role of Home Secretary
what had this meant for the Whig party?
it meant weaknesses through difference of opinions throughout Pitts reign had weakened it
How did this affect the Whig party?
- it meant the Whig party disintegrated
- disintegrated the Whigs, meaning the opposition of Tories had an increased chance to power
what is the disintegration of the Whig party an indication of?
- the influence the French Revolution had on British Politics
what was the main reason for disturbance between 1800-12?
despite Pitts repressive measures there was working class discontent due to:
- wages
- food
- unemployment
this showed the desperation of the people
did Radicalism reduce after Pitts Terror?
yes
