William Pitt the Younger

The Right Honourable William Pitt, the Younger (28 May 1759–23 January 1806) was a British politician during the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries. He served as Prime Minister from 1783 to 1801, and again from 1804 until his death. He is known as William Pitt the Younger to distinguish him from his father, William Pitt the Elder, who also served as Prime Minister of Great Britain.

Resignation

The French Revolution revived religious and political problems in Ireland, a realm under the rule of the King of Great Britain. In 1798, Irish nationalists even attempted a rebellion, believing that the French would help them overthrow the monarchy. Pitt firmly believed that the only solution to the problem was a union of Great Britain and Ireland. The union was established by the Act of Union 1800; corruption and bribery ensured the support of the Irish Parliament. Great Britain and Ireland were formally united into a single realm, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, on 1 January 1801.

Related Topics:
Ireland - Rebellion - Act of Union 1800 - United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland - 1 January - 1801

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Pitt sought to inaugurate the new kingdom by granting concessions to Roman Catholics, who formed a majority in Ireland, by abolishing various political restrictions under which they suffered. The same view, however, was not shared by George III. The King was strongly opposed to Catholic Emancipation; he argued that to grant additional liberty would violate his coronation oath, in which he had promised to protect the established Church of England. Pitt, unable to change the King's strong views, resigned on 3 February 1801, so as to allow Henry Addington, his political friend, to form a new administration. At about the same time, however, the King suffered a renewed bout of madness; thus, Addington could not receive his formal appointment. Though he had resigned, Pitt temporarily continued to discharge his duties; on 18 February 1801, he even brought forward the annual Budget. Power was transferred from Pitt to Addington on 14 March, when the King recovered.

Related Topics:
Roman Catholics - Catholic Emancipation - Church of England - 3 February - Henry Addington - 18 February - Budget - 14 March

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Pitt supported the new administration, but with little enthusiasm; he frequently absented himself from Parliament, preferring to remain in Walmer Castle, where he helped organise a local volunteer force in anticipation of a French invasion. After a series of British military victories, the French agreed to make peace in the Treaty of Amiens (1802). By 1803, however, the war had begun once more. Although Addington had previously invited him to join the Cabinet, Pitt preferred to join the Opposition, becoming increasingly critical of the Government's policies. Addington, unable to face the combined opposition of Pitt and Charles James Fox, saw his majority gradually evaporate. By May 1804, Addington, who had lost his parliamentary support, had decided to resign.

Related Topics:
Walmer Castle - Treaty of Amiens - 1802 - 1803 - 1804

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