Why was Pitt's 1784 administration not expected to last, and why did it against the odds?
Why was Pitt’s 1784 administration not expected to last; and why did it against the odds?
There were many factors that threatened William Pitt politically in 1784, however, equally, there were just as many factors that assisted in securing Pitt’s position as Prime Minister.
Firstly, Pitt, at the age of 24, had become Great Britain’s youngest Prime Minister ever, and consequently was mocked for his youth. A popular rhyme circulated that is was “a sight to make all nations stand and stare: a kingdom trusted to a schoolboy’s care.” As a result Pitt was not always taken seriously as many believed him too young and therefore inexperienced in the world of politics.
Moreover, Pitt had made himself enemies from the very start due to the deceitful way in which he had come to power. He lacked support in the House of Commons as many were supporters of his rival Fox- whom he had caused the downfall of in preventing the passing of the East India Company Bill. Which meant that it was unlikely for Pitt to be able to gain any respect from his fellow colleagues and did not stand him in good stead for the start of his career as Prime Minister.
However, Pitt had been brought up by a former Prime Minister, his father, William Pitt the elder. From a young age Pitt had been given Public Speaking lessons and had been taught how to be an astute politician. He used what he had learnt from a young age to win over the public, and was known widely for his speeches and honesty; such as his ‘maiden speech’ or ‘The Arming of the Nation’.
In addition, he was seen as a refreshing change from the corruption widely associated with his pre-assessors: Fox and North. It was Pitt’s skills as a politician that aided him to win over the support of the people- these were qualities that would aid him in his battle to stay in power.
Unfortunately, Pitt came into power just after Great Britain’s embarrassing defeat in the War of American Independence. This meant that the
There were many factors that threatened William Pitt politically in 1784, however, equally, there were just as many factors that assisted in securing Pitt’s position as Prime Minister.
Firstly, Pitt, at the age of 24, had become Great Britain’s youngest Prime Minister ever, and consequently was mocked for his youth. A popular rhyme circulated that is was “a sight to make all nations stand and stare: a kingdom trusted to a schoolboy’s care.” As a result Pitt was not always taken seriously as many believed him too young and therefore inexperienced in the world of politics.
Moreover, Pitt had made himself enemies from the very start due to the deceitful way in which he had come to power. He lacked support in the House of Commons as many were supporters of his rival Fox- whom he had caused the downfall of in preventing the passing of the East India Company Bill. Which meant that it was unlikely for Pitt to be able to gain any respect from his fellow colleagues and did not stand him in good stead for the start of his career as Prime Minister.
However, Pitt had been brought up by a former Prime Minister, his father, William Pitt the elder. From a young age Pitt had been given Public Speaking lessons and had been taught how to be an astute politician. He used what he had learnt from a young age to win over the public, and was known widely for his speeches and honesty; such as his ‘maiden speech’ or ‘The Arming of the Nation’.
In addition, he was seen as a refreshing change from the corruption widely associated with his pre-assessors: Fox and North. It was Pitt’s skills as a politician that aided him to win over the support of the people- these were qualities that would aid him in his battle to stay in power.
Unfortunately, Pitt came into power just after Great Britain’s embarrassing defeat in the War of American Independence. This meant that the