William Pitt the Younger was the second and favourite son of William Pitt the Elder, the 1st Earl of Chatham. He was born in Hayes, Kent, one of five children. He suffered ill health as a child and was educated at home until he was 14 years of age. More interested in books than sport, Pitt learnt quickly and developed early skills in oration, encourage by his father. He graduated from Cambridge where he studied maths, English history and political philosophy.
Pitts Political Career
During his time at Cambridge, Pitt made many friendships with peers, which would prove useful in his political career. It was here that he would attend debates in parliament in preparation for his desired career. Although he received a legal education and was called to the bar, Pitt was firmly committed to politics. Pitt joined the opposition to Lord Frederick North and was soon recognised for his expertise in public speaking. He was offered the premiership first in 1783 when the current Lord Shelburne resigned from post. Pitt refused the offer until later that year. He was appointed Chancellor of the Exchequer and finally accepted the post as Prime Minister in December 1783. He was twenty-four years of age.
Pitt in Power
Pitt had a clear notion of the political objectives he wanted to achieve. He wanted to build good relations with America, create a union with Ireland, reduce national debt, reform parliament and restructure the commercial trading company, East India. Despite his inexperience and considerable opposition from his rival, Charles James Fox, he made great progress but was not successful in all his campaigns.
During his first reign of power, Pitt also addressed the future of British Canada through the Constitutional Act of 1791. Pitt was also successful in rescuing the nation’s finances but the French Revolution would have an adverse impact on this work.
Pitt resigned from office in 1801 when King George refused to approve his Bill to emancipate the Catholics. However, he was to return to office in 1804 when the country was threatened with invasion by Napoleon I. He was hailed as the ‘saviour of Europe’ following the development of coalitions with Russia, Austria and Sweden and the defeat of the French at Trafalgar. However, he was devastated when these coalitions broke up in 1805 and Napoleons power within Europe increased.
Pitt's Personal Life
Pitt had very little personal life. He never married and accumulated great debts from an early age. He had few friends; many saw him as austere with an abrupt, cold manner. He portrayed a calm, self-possessed exterior and many admired him but found it difficult to sustain a friendship. He spent time with younger MP’s, drinking and playing practical jokes. His political career lasted 25 years, 19 of them spent in power and so had very little time for a personal life.
William Pitt the Younger was a popular national figure who shaped the role of Prime Minister as known today. However, he served his term during the time when the King was still the key figure in government. He died at the age of forty-six with personal debts of £40,000, which were paid of by Parliament. He had a public funeral and his body lay in state in the Palace of Westminster. He is buried in Westminster Abbey.
Sources:
Number 10 Downing Street Website
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