- William Pitt, also known as Pitt the Elder or the Earl of Chatham, was a prominent British Whig statesman who served as Prime Minister of Great Britain from 1766 to 1768. He was also known as "the Great Commoner" due to his long-standing refusal to accept a title until 1766.
- Pitt was a member of the British cabinet and its informal leader during the Seven Years' War from 1756 to 1761 and again led the ministry as Lord Privy Seal from 1766 to 1768. His power was derived from his brilliant oratory and parliamentary skills.
- Pitt's political career included attacks on the government, such as those against Walpole's corruption, Hanoverian subsidies, peace with France, and policies toward the American colonies. He is best known for his wartime leadership during the Seven Years' War, securing British dominance.
- Pitt-Newcastle Ministry (1757-1762):
- Pitt, as Secretary of State, directed defense and foreign policy.
- The Duke of Newcastle controlled finances and patronage.
- This ministry led Britain to victories in the Seven Years' War.
- Pitt resigned in 1761 due to a dispute over Spain's entry into the war.
- Chatham Ministry (1766-1768):
- Pitt formed a ministry of "measures, not men", intending to appoint the most competent men.
- He served as Lord Privy Seal, not First Lord of the Treasury.
- The Duke of Grafton was appointed First Lord of the Treasury.
- The ministry struggled due to Pitt's illness and failed to secure a major European alliance.
- The ministry faced internal conflict, with the Bedfords pushing for a hardline policy toward the American colonies.
- Pitt resigned in 1768 due to the dismissal of his ally Lord Shelburne.
- The War of Jenkins' Ear (1739-1748):
- The conflict began due to tensions over British trade in Spanish America.
- The name derives from Robert Jenkins, a British sea captain whose ear was allegedly severed by Spanish coast guards.
- The war involved naval actions and attacks on Spanish ports in the Caribbean.
- The most significant operation of the war was a failed British attack on Cartagena in 1741.
- The Conquest of New France (1758-1760):
- British forces aimed to drive the French out of New France.
- Key battles included the Battle of the Plains of Abraham, where British General Wolfe was victorious but died.
- The conquest resulted in New France being absorbed into the British Empire.
- The British decision to retain Canada was strategic, reinforcing the security of Britain's Empire.
- Pitt's Legacy:
- Pitt was a leading imperialist, known for his role in the expansion of the British Empire.
- His policies influenced the course of continental politics and the French Revolution.
- Pitt's successes led to increased British power and prestige.
- He was known for his public spirit, integrity, and refusal to profit from his position.
- Pitt is remembered as one of the most powerful ministers in British history.
- Numerous places, including Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, are named in his honor.
- He sought compromise with the American colonies, but his warnings were ignored.
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