I.

Introduction

William Pitt (1759-1806), prime minister of Great Britain (1783-1801 and 1804-1806), who restored British confidence and prosperity after the American Revolution and was a resolute leader of the nation in war against revolutionary France.

Born in Hayes in Kent on May 28, 1759, Pitt, known as the Younger, was the second son of William Pitt, 1st Earl of Chatham. He was educated for a political career at the University of Cambridge and Lincoln's Inn. In 1781 he entered Parliament, linking himself with William Petty, Earl of Shelburne, leader of the political group formerly connected with his father. In 1782 Shelburne took office with Charles Wentworth, marquess of Rockingham, and became prime minister when Rockingham died three months later. Pitt became chancellor of the Exchequer under Shelburne and was occupied with proposals for parliamentary and administrative reform. He left office with Shelburne in April 1783, but in December King George III named him prime minister, a post he held for 18 years.