Pitt's relationship with the King

Question 1

According to John Plumb, upon what does Pitt’s reputation as a great peacetime minister rest?

Answer 1

His solutions to the problems caused by the American war

Question 2

What is Plumb’s opinion on how Pitt dealt with finance?

Answer 2

He believes he was less successful in this regard. Pitt accepted the views of Dr Price on National Debt and the Sinking Fund. But Dr Price’s views were based upon a mistaken idea, and, apart from an immediate gain in confidence, Pitt’s sinking fund produced no benefits.

Question 3

Explain the idea of national debt

Answer 3

Long term debt set up in 1696 to meet the high cost of Britain’s continental wars. BofE organised loans to the government, with interest to be paid annually. Taxes had to be raised to pay the interest. The debt kept increasing as further loans were sought by the government and it became an accepted feature of national finance that still exists today. The system has benefits for government financial planning and investors

Question 4

Explain the sinking fund

Answer 4

A saving scheme used to pay off the national debt. Money from taxation was paid into the fund, and, with interest gained, used to reduce the capital debt. It started as early as 1716, but was habitually raided by ministers for other purposes

Question 5

Briefly describe Dr Richard Price

Answer 5

Well known writer, philosopher and political radical, some of whose financial ideas influenced Pitt

Question 6

When did Pitt enter the house of commons?

Answer 6

1781

Question 7

How old was Pitt when he entered the house of commons?

Answer 7

21

Question 8

How long after joining parliament did it take for Pitt to be appointed PM?

Answer 8

3 years

Question 9

Explain Pitt’s political pedigree

Answer 9

His father had been PM and his mother was from a formidable Whig family, the Grenvilles

Question 10

Briefly describe the character of Pitt

Answer 10

Precocious and clever with a fierce intellect, a passion for politics and a deep ambition for power. But he was also a reserved and distant character, ill at ease in society

Question 11

Describe Pitt’s relationship with the King

Answer 11

There was respect and mutual respect but their relationship lacked any kind of warmth and remained guarded throughout. Pitt remained loyal to the King after becoming PM, with the King rewarding Pitt with his continued support

Question 12

Describe Lord Shelburne

Answer 12

Leading Whig who was closely connected to Pitt’s father and os had a considerable influence on Pitt. He believed in allegiance to the King over party or faction. Had a brilliant mind and ideas ahead of his time. Patron to radical thinkers like Adam Smith and Dr Price. Distrusted for his secrecy and political aloofness

Question 13

Describe Charles James Fox

Answer 13

Came from a prominent Whig family. Intellectually gifted, a brilliant speaker, champion of individual freedom. Could have enjoyed political success if not for his recklessness and unpredictability - often criticising government and calling for a reduction of the King’s powers. Detested George III and so the King kept him out of office with the connivance of Pitt. He became a leading opposition figure for the rest of his political life

Question 14

What happened following the loss of the American colonies?

Answer 14

The King’s favourite, Lord North, resignednand he was dorced to accept a Whig ministry led by Lord Rockingham, whom he disliked, because he was capable of leading a commons majority

Question 15

Describe the ministry of Lord Shelburne

Answer 15

Replaced Lord Rockingham after his unexpected death. His political motives were deeply distrusted because of his close relationship with the King. In agreement with Shelburne, the King appointed William Pitt as chancellor of the exchequer

Question 16

Why does William Hague say the King appointed Pitt as chancellor in 1782?

Answer 16

because ‘the system was literally running out of talented material’

Question 17

Why was Shelburne’s ministry short lived?

Answer 17

Two opposing factions of Lord North and Charles James Fox allied to bring him down

Question 18

What was the King’s response to the Fox-North coalition?

Answer 18

It was an anethama to him, but one he was initially forced to accept. But saying this, the King manoeuvred to have it dismissed at the earlist opportunity.

Question 19

Explain Fox’s India Bill

Answer 19

India was an important and lucrative part of Britain’s Empire. The bill was a serious attempt to solve the problems of British rule in India, but it also contained elements that would increase Fox’s influnece. The bill passed through the commons as Fox had support, but in the Lords, the King promised to make a personal enemy of anyone who voted for it. The bill was defeated and the Fox-North coalition dismissed, with the King successfully asserting his royal power

Question 20

List the reasons why the King chose to appoint Pitt

Answer 20

• He refused to contemplate the Rockingham whigs, despite their commons majority, as they wanted to curb his powers.
• The Shelburne whigs supported the King, but did not have enough support to govern
• Pitt couldn’t trust his old friend Lord North because of his betrayal
• Pitt had made a strong imoression in parliament as chancellor in spite of his youth
• Pitt was regarded as honest and consciencious
• Appointing Pitt would allow him to keep Fox out of office
• In short, he preferred Pitt to any other whigs

Question 21

What does Eric J Evans have to say about Pitt’s relationship with the King?

Answer 21

He was never a royal toady and shared some of the Rockinghams’ concerns about royal influence., though to a milder degree. he recognised and respected the constitutional position of the sovereign and was not inclined to dicatate to the King. Respected the convention that he was taking office as the King’s minister

Question 22

What does Derek Jarrett say about Pitt’s relationship with the King?

Answer 22

Pitt maintained good relations largely by telling the King what he wanted to hear. The surviving letters between the two seem to indicate that the King considered himslef to be in charge of policy. As far as financial and administrative issues were concerned, it was Pitt who made the decisions, as there was no one else in the cabinet who understood their complexities, meaning the King was unable to take contadictory advice from other ministers, although he may have made a pretence at doing so