Pitt's journey to office up to and including the 1784 election

Britain's second biggest nepotism baby (besides the monarch obviously)

When and how did he initially enter parliament?

In 1781 after being gifted a pocket borough

What was Pitt’s relationship to the king like?

Full of mutual politeness and respect but lacking warmth. Pitt’s consistent loyalty rewarded him with royal support during his time as prime minister.

Summarise the political crisis of 1782

After the loss of the American colonies, Lord North (a favourite of the king) stepped down and George III was forced to accept a whig ministry under Rockingham who then died and was replaced by Shelburne. Shelburne didn’t last long and a coalition between Fox (who the king hated) and North threatened to take office. Consequently, Pitt was appointed due to lack of better options and how he had proven himself during his time as chancellor.

What year did Pitt become prime minister?

1783

What was the mince pie administration?

Thanks to the fox-north majority, nobody in the commons would serve in Pitt’s cabinet and so he had to pick from the lords. Consequently, people thought his administration would collapse before Christmas but a mixture of royal patronage and grit allowed Pitt to maintain power until the next election.

Why was the 1784 election called? (2)

Pitt wanted a chance to gain a majority as the fox-north coalition dwindled (Fox had lost popularity for some anti-monarchy remarks)

George III was worried that Pitt relied too heavily on royal patronage (although he funded his election campaign)

What was the outcome of the 1784 election? (3)

Pitt was elected for Cambridge- a seat he held for the rest of his life

160 whigs lost their seats and became “Fox martyrs”

Fox just about got a seat for Westminster

Who did Pitt draw support from? (3)

Whig’s who had allied with his father

Moderate Tories

“King’s friends”- politicians who voted based on the king’s wishes