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

Question 1

Royal support

Answer 1

• 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….

Question 2

Intro

Answer 2

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

Question 3

Person skills

Answer 3

• 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

Question 4

Weaknesses of the Whig’s

Answer 4

• 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

Question 5

Conclusion

Answer 5

• 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.