William Pitt the Elder Facts & Worksheets

William Pitt, the Elder, was also referred to as the Great Commoner due to his persistent denial of a title until 1766. He served as prime minister twice, almost entirely between 1756–61 and 1766–68. November 15, 1708, saw his birth in London, and he died on May 11, 1778, in Hayes, Kent, England.

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Key Facts & Information

BACKGROUND AND EDUCATION

• William Pitt was born into a prosperous London family, with a father with ties to the East India Company and a mother from Anglo-Irish nobility. 
• His grandfather, known as “Diamond” Pitt, had made a fortune in India and left a volatile legacy. William, exhibiting signs of a manic-depressive strain, arrogant temper, and gout, was sent to Eton College to control his fiery nature.
• Pitt developed social graces at Eton and made influential friends, including the Grenvilles, George Lyttelton, and Charles Pratt. Despite detesting Eton’s strictness, he gained a classical education that influenced his Romanesque speaking style and patriotic outlook. 
• His powerful voice and imposing presence made him a commanding figure in Parliament.
• Though living on a modest income, Pitt chose not to pursue a church career, and Lord Cobham, a wealthy nobleman, supported him financially. Cobham facilitated Pitt’s “Grand Tour” to France and Switzerland, eventually securing him a commission in a horse regiment in 1731.

EARLY POLITICAL CAREER

• William Pitt had his political debut in 1735, joining Parliament and aligning with “Cobham’s cubs” against Sir Robert Walpole’s ministry. 
• The “boy patriots” challenged Walpole’s foreign policies, and Pitt’s initial speech led to his military commission being revoked. The Prince of Wales appointed Pitt to his court in 1737, signaling a shift towards independence.
• When Walpole fell in 1742, Pitt opposed sending troops to protect Hanover during the War of the Austrian Succession. Pitt argued for confronting French dominance at sea and in colonial possessions. 
• Despite initial rejection, Pitt rose to prominence during the 1745 Jacobite Rising. He joined the ministry in 1746, resisting corruption and winning public admiration.
• Pitt’s honesty was evident as he refused additional income beyond his official salary, implementing reforms and fortifying British naval power. 
• Legacy funds and marriage to Lady Hester Grenville allowed him extravagant spending, but he faced political challenges and was dismissed from the pay office in 1755, leaving him bankrupt. 
• Assistance from Earl Temple helped him through financial difficulties.

LEADERSHIP DURING THE SEVEN YEARS’ WAR

• William Pitt had his most incredible opportunity as a statesman during the Seven Years’ War. 
• Facing policy confusion and casualties, he formed a cabinet in November 1756 with the nominal leader, the Duke of Devonshire, and aimed to lead the war effort. 
• Pitt envisioned a maritime and national conflict, revitalizing the militia, restructuring the navy, and strategizing for America and India.
• Pitt’s audacity and boldness led to victories in 1759, earning him the “Great Commoner.” The Treaty of Paris in 1763 solidified Britain’s dominance in North America, India, Africa, and the West Indies. 
• Despite these successes, Pitt resigned in 1761 due to the new monarch, George III, and his advisor, the Earl of Bute, seeking an end to the war. Pitt’s retirement, accompanied by a peerage and pension for his wife, stirred controversy, with criticism of the Treaty of Paris terms. 
• Pitt’s reputation for high-mindedness endured despite the backlash, and his time as a war minister concluded.

LAST YEARS OF WILLIAM PITT, THE ELDER

• In the later years of his life, William Pitt turned to horticulture and sought solace from the struggles of political life in the tranquil setting of Burton Pynsent in Somerset. 
• A generous admirer had bestowed upon him this magnificent land in 1765, where Pitt planted stately avenues of trees. 
• However, his respite was overshadowed by the recurring affliction of gout, a painful condition that led to episodes of “gout in the head” and bouts of insanity.
• Following the resignation of Bute in 1763, George Grenville assumed the role of prime minister, deepening the rift between Pitt and his in-law brother. 
• Emerging as a champion of liberty, Pitt criticized the arbitrary actions of the government, particularly in the case of John Wilkes, a Member of Parliament who faced consequences for criticizing the King’s speech. 
• After relative inactivity in 1764 and 1765, Pitt returned to the political stage in January 1766. He passionately defended imperial liberty on behalf of the American colonies, which were in turmoil due to the Stamp Act, and advocated for its revocation.
• In July of the same year, the King instructed Pitt to form a ministry drawing members from each chamber of Parliament. 
• However, Pitt’s wisdom and judgment were compromised, and he struggled to create a coherent administration, facing challenges from political scheming. 
• He chose to become the Earl of Chatham by accepting the title of Lord Privy Seal, but he was forced to give up his power in the Commons. 
• Pitt withdrew to the House of Lords, leaving a directionless ministry in the Commons led by Charles Townshend and the Duke of Grafton. 
• Overwhelmed by illness and descending into madness, Pitt completely withdrew from government in 1768.
• Despite gaining some support in the House of Commons, Pitt’s efforts to challenge Lord North’s cabinet alongside Lord Rockingham’s opposition proved futile. 
• In his final years, Pitt returned to the House of Lords as an aging statesman, navigating increasing difficulties. He persistently advocated for generous treatment of the American colonists, fearing their independence might lead them into the hands of France. 
• In 1775, he introduced a bill to halter oppressive measures in Boston, emphasizing Parliament’s legislative authority over the colonies. Pitt’s final speech, opposing any dilution of an empire founded on freedom, marked the conclusion of a political career dedicated to balancing constitutional liberty with imperial power. 
• On May 11, 1778, Pitt passed away, collapsing into the arms of his son William while hearing the part of Homer’s Iliad about Hector’s goodbye. 
• In the midst of widespread grief, he was laid to rest in Westminster Abbey, receiving a farewell worthy of his noteworthy contributions to British politics.

LEGACY

• The expression “Pitt was a minister given by the people to the king, but Wilson was a minister given by the king to the people” by Samuel Johnson sums up William Pitt’s distinct place in English politics. 
• Pitt was the Earl of Chatham. Chatham was the first minister whose strength came from popular support rather than a strong presence in the House of Commons.
• Recognizing the power of public opinion, Chatham successfully harnessed it throughout his political career, marking a significant shift in English politics.
• Chatham, with both strengths and weaknesses distinctly English, won the respect and affection of the public despite his conceit and theatricality. 
• While he had flaws like inconsistency and unjust behavior, these were known only to his close allies. Public perception of Chatham was that of a statesman with unwavering courage and vigor, capable of noble actions.
• Chatham’s impact on domestic issues was minimal, with acknowledgement of his limitations in financial matters. His focus on a spirited foreign policy made him the most popular English minister, especially for his effectiveness in maintaining the balance of power on the European continent. Chatham’s popularity endured despite his voting for corrupt borough seats, a traditional Whig characteristic, and concern about Chatham’s balance of power.
• The American city of Pittsburgh was renamed after Chatham during the Seven Years’ War, emphasizing his significant role in history.

William Pitt the Elder Worksheets

This fantastic bundle includes everything you need to know about William Pitt, the Elder across 28 in-depth pages. These ready-to-use worksheets are perfect for teaching kids about William Pitt, the Elder. He served as prime minister twice, almost entirely between 1756–61 and 1766–68 between. November 15, 1708, saw his birth in London, and he died on May 11, 1778, in Hayes, Kent, England.

Complete List of Included Worksheets

Below is a list of all the worksheets included in this document.

1. William Pitt the Elder Facts
2. Family Tree Exploration
3. Key Locations
4. A War to Remember
5. Perspective
6. Great Commoner’s Dilemma
7. Brushstrokes of History
8. News Exercise
9. Pitt the Elder’s Legacy
10. Podcast Episode
11. Time Capsule

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was William Pitt, the Elder?

William Pitt, the Elder, also known as William Pitt the Elder, was a British statesman who served as Prime Minister of Great Britain from 1766 to 1768. He was born on November 15, 1708, and died on May 11, 1778. Pitt was a prominent figure during the Seven Years’ War, where he played a key role in British military successes, earning him the nickname “The Great Commoner.”

What were some key accomplishments of William Pitt, the Elder, during his time as Prime Minister?

During his tenure as Prime Minister, Pitt focused on strengthening the British Empire, both militarily and economically. He successfully led Britain to victory in the Seven Years’ War and secured territories in North America and India. Pitt also pursued financial and administrative reforms and was known for his support of the British navy.

How did William Pitt, the Elder, contribute to the expansion of the British Empire?

William Pitt played a crucial role in expanding the British Empire during the Seven Years’ War. His strategic vision and leadership led to significant victories, including the capture of Quebec in 1759, which played a key role in securing Canada for the British. Pitt’s policies also contributed to the acquisition of other territories, solidifying British influence in India and the Caribbean.

What challenges did William Pitt, the Elder, face during his political career?

Pitt faced challenges such as political opposition and criticism for the costs associated with the military campaigns during the Seven Years’ War. Additionally, internal conflicts within the government and disagreements with King George III led to his resignation in 1768. Despite his accomplishments, Pitt faced difficulties in maintaining his political influence.

What was the significance of William Pitt, the Elder’s resignation in 1768?

William Pitt’s resignation in 1768 marked the end of his term as Prime Minister. His departure from office was partly due to disagreements with the king over issues such as royal influence in government. Although he returned to government in later years, his resignation in 1768 marked a shift in British politics and the decline of his political influence.

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