The 1784 election Flashcards
Why did the news that Pitt had accepted the role of PM causee alarm?
- He had no majority in the commos and faced a large majority opposition
- No member of the commons would serve in his cabinet, meaning he had to use lords, which left Pitt politically isolated
- It was almost impossible to pass any measures through parliament
- His position was very weak
When did Pitt become PM
December 1783
Why did cartoonists nickname Pitt’s government the mince pie administration?
Because they anticipated it would not last past christmas
What did the King do in order to appoint Pitt PM?
Ignored the convention of inviting the MP with a commons majority to take up office
What was Fox’s response to Pitt’s appointment?
He was furious and suggested this was proof of the King’s contempt for parlaiment and the electortate.
What was the consequence of Fox’s outspoke condemnaton of the King?
It lost him vital support
What did pitt do when votes went against him in the commons and calls were made for his resignation?
Stood his ground
Why did Pitt survive the politically tumultuous start to his premiership?
- Firm support from the King
- His own personal ambition made him desperate to cling on to power until he could gain the necessary majority
- Fox gradually upset his own supporters
What does John W Derry say about Pitt’s unique political position?
He was no party man. He thought of himself as a mediator between the King and the factions. He preferred to get into office and govern; rather than rot in pointless opposition
What was ‘the city’?
The old centre of London where trading of goods and commodities took place, the home of the BofE and the centre of financial activities.
What intersting development occured with the whigs following the 1784 eletion?
Charles James Fox emerged as the leader of the remaining rockingham whigs, who sat in the commons and became a more cohesive group. They began to be officailly regarded as opposition to the government
When did Pitt ask the King to call a general election?
In March 1784, after watching Fox’s majority dwindle to the point where there was a single vote between them.
According to the Septennial act, parliaments were supposed to run for 7 years. After how many years did George III dissolve parliament to allow Pitt to try and gain his majority in a general election?
3 years
How did Pitt and the King ‘manage’ the election
- The King used all influence possible in government controlled boroughs
- The King provided Pitt with a large election fund
Where was Pitt elected?
Cambridge - the seat he would hold for the rest of his life
