What factors led Pitt to become F.L.O.T Flashcards
What was the East Indian Company?
A company that traded goods like tea and spices
Controlled vast amounts of patronage and wealth
very powerful - had own army
controlled large parts of India
Problems with EIC?
On verge of bankruptcy as it took on more and more responsibility
paid dividends
What was the EIC Bill?
Announced 18 November 1783 by Fox
Proposal to split the company’s commercial functions from its political functions
Board of 7 commissioners to be set up - appointed by the Gov
What was Fox’s plan?
Because Fox controlled parliament commissioners would be appointed by him
Fox would be able to access huge patronage and wealth
Pitt opposed
Bill passed H.O.C 27 NOV 1783
What prevented the Bill to pass?
1 DEC 1783 - EARL TEMPLE WARNED KING GEORGE THE BILL WOULD UNDERMINE HIS POWER
King used his influence to ensure bill was defeated in H.O.L
King gave Temple a card:
“whoever voted for the India bill is not only not my friend but would be considered as my enemy”
What happened to the Bill?
15 DECEMBER - BILL DEBATED
kings letter card convinced 27 members to switch sides
BILL DEFEATED
18 DEC - PITT WILLING TO FORM A GOV
How did the kings support help Pitt become F.L.O.T
Announced Pitt is going to form a new Gove 19 December
Fox and supporters laughing - Pitt only 24
“we shall destroy them almost as soon as they are formed”
What did Pitt do?
Examples:
With the complete backing of the King:
Pitt gave titles and money in turn for loyalty
Lord Weymouth switched sides when his brother gained a peerage
Persuaded Duke of Newcastle to switch sides and In doing so 3/6 of his supporters switched too
What happened to Fox’s majority?
10 JAN 1784 - 240 VS 194
FOX FORCED TO ALLOW PITTS MUTINY BILL
PITT NOW HAS MAJORITY
How did the public opinion benefit Pitt?
11 January Sir Edward Walpole died
empty position of the Clerkship of Pells
Gave the sinecure position to Colonel Barre ( public hero for capturing Quebec)
Pitt seen as an honest politician
Why did media dislike fox?
28 February 1784 - Supporters of Fox attacked the coach Pitt was in
Appeared as if Fox and his supporters were resorting to violence
Fox’s alibi was at the time of violence he was in bed with his mistress
What happened in the election 1784
24 March 1784 king dissolve parliament - general election begins
Pitts popularity overpowered Fox’s loyalty
