Shared Flashcard Set

Details

Chapter 2
Chapter 2
49
History
Not Applicable
05/17/2017

Additional History Flashcards

 


 

Cards

Term
After the loss of the American colonies, what happened to [G3]?
Definition
He faced the most serious political crisis of his reign, and Lord North (who he favoured) resigned.
Term
What was [G3] forced to accept after Lord North's resignation as PM?
Definition
A Whig ministry led by Lord Rockingham, whom he disliked, but was capable of holding a majority in HOC.
Term
When Lord Rockingham died unexpectedly, who took his place?
Definition
Lord Shelburne
Term
Why was his political motivates distrusted?
Definition
He had a close friendship with [G3].
Term
In agreement with Shelburne, who did [G3] appoint to Chancellor of the Exchequer?
Definition
William Pitt
Term
Why was Shelburne's ministry short-lived?
Definition
Two opposing factions, Lord North and Charles James Fox, collaborated to bring him down.
Term
What was he forced to accept after Shelburne's ministry was brought down?
Definition
A coalition between Charles James Fox and Lord North.
Term
Why did [G3] refuse to contemplate the Rockingham Whigs, despite their majority in HOC?
Definition
They wanted to lower the power that the Monarchy had.
Term
Why could [G3] not contemplate the Shelburne Whigs, despite supporting his position?
Definition
They did not have enough of a majority to hold together a government.
Term
Why did [G3] not contemplate Lord North?
Definition
Would never forgive him for his betrayal.
Term
Why did [G3] contemplate Pitt?
Definition
Made a strong impression in [P] as COE through his debating skills; regarded as honest. Could also keep the ambitious Fox out of office.
Term
How did [G3] dismiss Fox and North?
Definition
Fox's India Bill (Nov 1783). Passed in HOC, where Fox had support, [G3] threatened peers and defeated in HOL - thereafter dismissing them.
Term
Why was dismissing Fox and North significant?
Definition
[G3] successfully asserted royal power, undermining democracy.
Term
Why was Pitt's administration called the 'mince-pie administration'?
Definition
Pitt announced he had accepted office as PM from King in (Dec 1783), predicted it wouldn't survive beyond Christmas.
Term
Issues with Pitt as PM initially?
Definition
Pitt had no following in HOC ∴ no HOC member would serve in his Cabinet, which he then made up of peers from HOL.
Term
Why was having no support in HOC such an issue?
Definition
Almost impossible to pass any measures through Parliament.
Term
What did [G3] ignoring the convention of inviting the majority under Fox lead to?
Definition
Fox was furious and had outspoken condemnation of the King - which led to Fox losing vital support.
Term
How did Pitt survive calls for his resignation thereafter?
Definition
He had firm support from [G3], his own personal ambition, and as Fox gradually upset his own supporters.
Term
When was the Fox-North coalition defeated?
Definition
17th December 1783
Term
When was Pitt appointed Prime Minister by the King?
Definition
19th December 1783
Term
When Pitt believed there was a 'single vote' between them, what did he do?
Definition
Ask the King to call a general election, which occurred in (March 1784)
Term
Why could it be argued that the King was pushing the boundaries of a constitutional monarchy?
Definition
Parliaments ran for seven years under the Septennial Act (1716), whilst [G3] was dissolving it after three so that his chosen minister could gain a majority.
Term
How did the King and Pitt prepare for the election?
Definition
King exercised influence in government controlled boroughs; Pitt used his sizable election fund from the King.
Term
How many seats did Fox lose?
Definition
About 160
Term
What was the overall result of the 1784 election?
Definition
Given Pitt a vote of confidence and a large majority in the Commons.
Term
Where did Pitt draw support from?
Definition
Whigs who supported his father, moderate Tories, and politicians know as 'King's Friends' whose votes depended on the King's wishes.
Term
How did the King utilise patronage following the election?
Definition
Created new peers in the Lords from the wealthy merchant class in the City, which overwhelmed the old Whig aristocracy & ensured support from the HOL.
Term
What was the result of the 1874 election for Charles James Fox?
Definition
Charles James Fox became emerged as the leader of the Rockingham Whigs and thus became a more cohesive group; standing in opposition to the incumbent government.
Term
What were the pressing issues that Pitt had to deal with once he firmly had the majority?
Definition
Financial impact of the war over the American colonies, to control the spiraling National Debt, and to restore confidence in the government.
Term
When did the expensive war against the American colonies end? (American Revolutionary War)
Definition
1783
Term
As a result of the American Revolutionary War, how high did the National Debt reach?
Definition
£240 million
Term
What was the annual interest payments on this debt?
Definition
£8 million (but didn't reduce the debt)
Term
How did Pitt intend to tackle this debt?
Definition
A reformed and effectively managed Sinking, into which he paid £1 million a year from taxation.
Term
To what extent was the Sinking Fund a success?
Definition
Successful as a peacetime policy; cutting debt by £10 million and restoring national confidence, but failed as a war-time policy.
Term
What trade policy was Pitt interested in adhering to?
Definition
Free Trade - believing it would boost the economy.
Term
Who was Pitt a follower of?
Definition
Adam Smith, utilising his theories of Free Trade by reducing heavy customs duties.
Term
What did Pitt believe to restrict the development of trade and industry?
Definition
An outdated system of tariffs, which was the tax on import and export of goods.
Term
What was the tariff system based on?
Definition
Based on mercantilism, the government's duty to regulate trade as to maximise economic activity.
Term
What is Free Trade?
Definition
An economic policy whereby the government allows a free exchange of commodities without imposing tariffs.
Term
How much of government revenue came from taxes on commodities?
Definition
Three quarters.
Term
What was the negative consequences of these tariffs?
Definition
Smuggling flourished as a means to bypass them; reducing government revenue.
Term
How did the loss of the American colonies impact on British trade?
Definition
Lost beneficial trading rights.
Term
Through which Act did Pitt lower, simplify or remove complex tariffs on commodities?
Definition
Consolidation Act of 1787
Term
What also changed with regards to tariffs?
Definition
Goods would only qualify for one tax rather than several.
Term
What was used to know the tariffs?
Definition
A Book of Rates published the rate of duty for each item.
Term
Overall, what did these tariff reforms do?
Definition
Made collection of taxes easier and more efficient.
Term
How was smuggling made less lucrative?
Definition
High tax on tea, wine and tobacco reduced. Alongside Pitt's Hovering Act.
Term
What was the Hovering Act?
Definition
Enabled authorities to confiscate ships carrying smuggled goods within four miles of the shore.
Term
What did the Excise Bill do?
Definition
Supporting users have an ad free experience!