How did Pitt win the 1784 election? Flashcards
What were the three main factors?
- Support from King George III.
- Pitt’s own qualities and actions.
- The unpopularity of the Fox-North coalition.
When was Pitt asked to form a government?
Pitt was asked to form a government by King George III on 19 December 1783.
How was Pitt’s ministry viewed?
No-one though that Pitt would last and many thought that ox would be able to bring him down within months. However, he ended up being PM for 21 out of the next 23 years.
“the mince pie ministry” and “a kingdom trusted to a school-boy’s care”
When was the delayed election? What did this mean?
The delaying of the election from January to March meant that the king used all his influence in the House of Lords to persuade peers not to support the over-mighty Whig aristocrats.
Why did the King’s support give Pitt extra support?
Some MPs gave Pitt a chance because they were loyal to the King, and Pitt was his choice.
Who were the king’s agents?
John Robinson and Henry Dundas.
What did John Robinson and Henry Dundas do?
Back-stairs deals with landowners in the pocket and rotten boroughs.
How many MPs did the King’s support gain Pitt?
By the end of the election, there was a ‘crown party’ of 185 MPs who would support whoever the king favoured.
What did the king urge Pitt to do in January 1784?
the king wrote to Pitt urging him to call an election. He was concerned that it was wrong for Pitt to remain prime minister with only royal backing and without a majority to support him in the House of Commons.
How did Pitt respond to the king’s demands of an election?
Pitt urged the King to stand firm. He knew that the policy of the Whigs would be to belittle his government rather than stand against him and force an election. The king took Pitt’s advice.
What did the extra time before the election mean for Pitt?
Pitt was hoping that by holding the election until March, he would have some more time, meaning the King’s agents would be preparing to use royal influence effectively in the coming election and that he would be able to establish a reputation in parliament.
What did Pitt refuse to take form the King? What did this show?
Refused to take lucrative sinecures from the king, proving he was not just the king’s puppet.
Who warmed to him and gave him their support?
The independent MPs.
What did Pitt prove?
Showed his ability and intellect in his speeches in the House of Commons.
What promises by Pitt were popular?
Promised to improve government efficiency and sort out the country’s finances; a move popular with many MPs who were critical of the “old corruption” of the fiscal-military state.
