What were the Grenville Whigs, and during what historical period were they active?

The Grenville Whigs, also known as Grenvillites, were various British political factions that existed during the 18th and early 19th centuries. These groups were all associated with the influential Grenville family, which held significant political sway, particularly in Buckinghamshire.

Who were the principal leaders identified with the Grenville Whigs faction?

The main leaders associated with the Grenville Whigs included Richard Grenville-Temple, the 2nd Earl Temple; George Grenville; and George Nugent-Temple-Grenville, who later became the 1st Marquess of Buckingham.

When was the Grenville Whigs faction established, and when did it cease to be a distinct political entity?

The Grenville Whigs faction was founded in the 1760s and formally dissolved or disappeared as a distinct political grouping by 1817.

What region served as the primary base of operations or headquarters for the Grenville family's political influence?

The Grenville family's political influence and activities were primarily centered in Buckinghamshire, which served as their headquarters and the base from which they dominated local politics.

What were the core political ideologies that characterized the Grenville Whigs?

The Grenville Whigs subscribed to several political ideologies, including Whiggism, Conservatism, and anti-radicalism. They also supported abolitionism and adhered to the principles of parliamentarism.

How was the Grenville Whigs' political stance categorized in terms of the broader political spectrum?

The Grenville Whigs were positioned on the right-wing of the British political spectrum.

To which larger political party were the Grenville Whigs affiliated nationally?

Nationally, the Grenville Whigs were affiliated with the broader Whigs political party in Great Britain.

What earlier political group had members of the Grenville family been associated with?

Before becoming prominent in the 1760s, members of the Grenville family had been associated with a political group known as Cobham's Cubs.

What event in October 1761 caused a significant division within the Grenville family's political alignment?

The dismissal of William Pitt the Elder from the government in October 1761 led to a significant split within the Grenville family's political alignment. While the 2nd Earl Temple resigned in protest, his brother George Grenville remained in the government.

Who was the dominant figure in the government that George Grenville joined after the 1761 political divergence?

After the 1761 political split, the government that George Grenville remained in was dominated by King George III's favorite, Lord Bute, who also served as the Leader of the House of Commons.

When did George Grenville serve as Prime Minister, and what challenge did he face in forming his ministry?

George Grenville served as Prime Minister in 1763. He faced the challenge that his own political following was insufficient to form a government, forcing him to rely heavily on the Bedford Whigs, supporters of the Duke of Bedford.

What was the stated reason for George Grenville's removal from power in 1765?

George Grenville was ousted from power in 1765 as a consequence of conflicts he experienced with King George III.

How did George Grenville's faction operate within the opposition between 1766 and 1767?

Between 1766 and 1767, George Grenville led one of three distinct opposition factions in Parliament. The other two opposition groups during this period were led by the Duke of Bedford and Lord Rockingham.

Who assumed leadership of George Grenville's faction after his death, and what significant political negotiation did they undertake?

Following George Grenville's death in 1770, the Earl of Suffolk took over the official leadership of his faction. He subsequently negotiated the Grenvillites' entry into the ministry led by Lord North in early 1771.

Did all of George Grenville's former political allies join the Lord North ministry in 1771?

No, not all of George Grenville's former supporters joined the Lord North ministry in 1771. Many chose to remain in opposition, aligning themselves with Chatham and Temple.

What key political actions did the 1st Marquess of Buckingham influence in December 1783?

In December 1783, the 1st Marquess of Buckingham played a significant role in bringing down the coalition government formed by Fox and North. He also was instrumental in bringing his cousin, William Pitt the Younger, to power as Prime Minister.

What positions did William Wyndham Grenville hold in relation to William Pitt the Younger's government?

William Wyndham Grenville became one of William Pitt the Younger's closest advisors. He also served as Foreign Secretary for ten years, from 1791 to 1801, during the challenging period of the French Revolutionary Wars.

What event in 1801 led to a separation between William Pitt the Younger and Lord Grenville?

The resignation of Pitt's government in 1801 caused a separation between William Pitt the Younger and his cousin, Lord Grenville. This estrangement was reportedly encouraged by the Marquess of Buckingham and his followers, who resented Pitt for allegedly preventing Buckingham from receiving major office.

During the Addington government (1801-1804), who began to be considered the leader by some former supporters of Pitt?

During the Addington government, a number of former supporters of William Pitt the Younger, dissatisfied with the new ministry, began to consider Lord Grenville as their leader. They started referring to themselves as Grenvilles or Grenvillites.

What was the previous political affiliation of many members of the Grenville-led group, referred to as the New Opposition?

Many members of the group led by Lord Grenville, nicknamed the New Opposition, were previously Portland Whigs. These individuals had joined William Pitt the Younger's government in 1794.

What was a major policy difference between the Grenvillites (New Opposition) and Charles James Fox's Old Opposition?

A significant policy disagreement between the Grenvillites and Charles James Fox's Old Opposition concerned the war with France. The Grenvillites advocated for its aggressive prosecution, while Fox preferred to seek peace through negotiation.

Why was Lord Grenville unable to form a government in 1804 when Addington's ministry fell?

In 1804, Lord Grenville's attempt to form a coalition government that included supporters of himself, Pitt, and Fox was blocked by King George III, who refused to approve a government that included Charles James Fox.

What significant governmental role did Lord Grenville assume following William Pitt the Younger's death in 1806?

After William Pitt the Younger died in 1806, Lord Grenville became Prime Minister, leading the administration known as the Ministry of All the Talents, which included both the New Opposition and the Old Opposition.

What was the primary factor contributing to the downfall of the Ministry of All the Talents in 1807?

The Ministry of All the Talents collapsed in early 1807 primarily due to opposition from King George III, despite the coalition partners agreeing on issues like the abolition of the slave trade.

After the Ministry of All the Talents, how did Lord Grenville function in opposition, and who shared this role?

Following the ministry's collapse, Lord Grenville acted as the nominal Leader of the Opposition. However, Lord Grey, the leader of the Foxites, held a position of essentially equal influence.

What became of the Grenvillites as a distinct faction after the deaths of the Marquess of Buckingham and Lord Grenville's withdrawal from politics?

After the Marquess of Buckingham died in 1813 and Lord Grenville withdrew from politics in 1817, the Grenvillites continued as an opposition group but became largely subservient to the ambitions of Buckingham's son, the 2nd Marquess, acting more as a pawn.

How did the Grenvillites ultimately cease to exist as a distinct political faction?

The Grenvillites disappeared as a distinct political faction around 1822 when Prime Minister Lord Liverpool secured their support by elevating the 2nd Marquess of Buckingham to Duke and appointing several of his key supporters, like Charles Williams-Wynn, into government positions.

What specific ducal title was created for the 2nd Marquess of Buckingham as part of the 1822 political agreement?

As part of the political arrangement in 1822, the 2nd Marquess of Buckingham was created Duke of Buckingham and Chandos.

Which government position was Charles Williams-Wynn appointed to following the 1822 agreement?

Following the 1822 agreement, Charles Williams-Wynn was appointed to the position of President of the Board of Control within the government.

What does the image caption indicate about the portrait of George Grenville?

The image caption states that the portrait depicts George Grenville and identifies William Hoare as the artist.

What information does the image caption provide about the portrait of Lord Grenville?

The image caption identifies the portrait as Lord Grenville.

What connection does the term Grenville Whigs have to the ideology of Whiggism?

The Grenville Whigs derived their name from their association with the political ideology of Whiggism, reflecting their alignment with Whiggish principles within British politics.

What does the inclusion of Conservatism in the Grenville Whigs' ideology suggest about their political leanings?

The Grenville Whigs' ideology included Conservatism, indicating a political leaning towards established institutions, traditions, and a generally cautious approach to political change.

What specific aspect of British political history does the article 'Grenvillite' primarily focus on?

The article primarily focuses on the history of various British political factions known as Grenville Whigs or Grenvillites, detailing their origins, key figures, political activities, ideologies, and eventual dissolution, all linked to the influence of the Grenville family.

How did the Grenville family exert influence in Buckinghamshire?

The Grenville family held a dominant position in local politics within Buckinghamshire, with their influence being a key factor in the prominence of their associated political factions.

What was the political significance of George Grenville remaining in government after the 1761 split, while Earl Temple resigned?

George Grenville's decision to stay in government after the 1761 split, contrasting with Earl Temple's protest resignation, signified a divergence in their political paths. George Grenville aligned himself with the faction led by Lord Bute, which held sway under King George III.

What does the ideology of Parliamentarism imply about the Grenville Whigs' political system preferences?

The inclusion of Parliamentarism in the Grenville Whigs' ideology signifies their commitment to the principles and functioning of the parliamentary system as the preferred form of government.

How did the Grenvillites' approach to the war with France differ from that of Charles James Fox?

The Grenvillites favored a more aggressive prosecution of the war with France, whereas Charles James Fox preferred to pursue peace through negotiation, highlighting a key strategic difference between the two political groups.

What was the primary reason for the resentment held by the Marquess of Buckingham and his followers towards William Pitt the Younger?

The Marquess of Buckingham and his supporters harbored resentment towards William Pitt the Younger because they believed Pitt had prevented Buckingham from obtaining significant political office.

What role did William Wyndham Grenville fulfill during the French Revolutionary Wars?

William Wyndham Grenville served as Foreign Secretary for ten years, from 1791 to 1801, during the difficult and tumultuous period of the French Revolutionary Wars.

What nickname was given to the political group led by Lord Grenville during the Addington government?

The political group that formed around Lord Grenville during the Addington government, largely composed of former Portland Whigs, was aptly nicknamed the New Opposition.

What was the nature of the relationship between the Grenvillites (New Opposition) and Charles James Fox's Old Opposition?

The Grenvillites, known as the New Opposition, established a tentative alliance with the established political group led by Charles James Fox, referred to as the Old Opposition.

What event marked the definitive end of the Grenvillites as a separate political faction?

The Grenvillites ceased to be a distinct political faction in the years following 1822, after Prime Minister Lord Liverpool secured their allegiance through honors and government appointments for key members, effectively integrating them into the broader political structure.

What specific title was bestowed upon the 2nd Marquess of Buckingham as part of the 1822 political arrangement?

As part of the political deal struck in 1822, the 2nd Marquess of Buckingham was elevated to the title of Duke of Buckingham and Chandos.

What government position did Charles Williams-Wynn assume following the 1822 agreement with Lord Liverpool?

Following the 1822 agreement, Charles Williams-Wynn was appointed to the government role of President of the Board of Control.

What does the citation referencing Kirk Russell's 'The Conservative Mind' suggest about the historical classification of the Grenvillites?

A citation related to Kirk Russell's book 'The Conservative Mind: From Burke to Eliot' places the Grenvillites within the context of conservative political thought, implying their historical significance to that ideology.

Which academic journals are cited as sources for studying the Grenvillites?

The study of the Grenvillites is referenced in academic publications such as The American Historical Review and The Journal of British Studies.

What specific time frame does James J. Sack's 1975 article focus on concerning the Grenvillite faction?

James J. Sack's 1975 article specifically analyzes the decline of the Grenvillite faction during the period from 1817 to 1829, under the influence of the First Duke of Buckingham and Chandos.

What was the political relationship between Earl Temple and William Pitt the Elder?

Earl Temple and William Pitt the Elder shared a close political alliance, further strengthened by their familial connection as Temple's brother-in-law.

What does the term Whiggism generally represent in the context of British political history?

Whiggism was a significant political movement in British history, typically advocating for parliamentary supremacy, constitutional monarchy, and reforms promoting liberty and representation, often in opposition to Tory principles.

Grenvillite Wiki: The Grenville Circle: Navigating 18th-Century British Politics

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Background

Family Influence

The Grenville family held significant political sway, particularly in Buckinghamshire, and were prominent figures in mid-18th-century British politics. They were initially associated with the influential group known as "Cobham's Cubs" and were close allies of William Pitt the Elder, 1st Earl of Chatham.

A Factional Split

A critical divergence occurred in the early 1760s following Pitt the Elder's dismissal from government in October 1761. While Earl Temple resigned in protest, his brother, George Grenville, remained within the administration, which subsequently became dominated by Lord Bute, a favorite of King George III. This division led to the formation of a distinct political group.

Emergence of the Grenvillites

The followers of George Grenville became known by the appellations Grenvillites or Grenville Whigs. This faction represented a specific ideological and familial alignment within the broader Whig party, distinct from other contemporary political groupings.

George Grenville's Leadership

Prime Minister

George Grenville ascended to the position of Prime Minister in 1763. However, his personal following was insufficient to form a government independently. Consequently, his ministry heavily relied on the support of the Bedford Whigs, adherents of the Duke of Bedford, to fill key governmental roles.

Opposition Leader

Following his ousting from power in 1765 due to conflicts with King George III, Grenville transitioned to the opposition. For a period between 1766 and 1767, he led one of three distinct opposition factions, alongside those led by the Duke of Bedford and Lord Rockingham. This period highlighted his continued influence despite not holding office.

Post-Mortem Influence

After George Grenville's death in 1770, the Earl of Suffolk assumed the nominal leadership of his faction. Grenvillite members entered Lord North's ministry in 1771. However, a significant portion of Grenville's former supporters chose to remain in opposition, aligning with Chatham and Temple, demonstrating the evolving nature of factional loyalty.

The Marquess of Buckingham's Era

Shifting Power Dynamics

Following the death of Lord Temple in 1779, George Grenville's sons, George Nugent-Temple-Grenville (later the 1st Marquess of Buckingham) and William Wyndham Grenville, emerged as the principal figures of the Grenville interest. The Marquess of Buckingham played a crucial role in the downfall of the Fox-North coalition in December 1783 and was instrumental in bringing William Pitt the Younger to power.

Foreign Policy Focus

Despite not receiving a major office himself initially, the Marquess of Buckingham's supporters backed Pitt the Younger's ministry. His brother, William Grenville, became one of Pitt's closest advisors and served as Foreign Secretary for a decade (1791–1801). This period was marked by the challenging context of the French Revolutionary Wars, underscoring the Grenville faction's engagement with critical foreign policy issues.

Lord Grenville's Premiership

The "New Opposition"

The resignation of Pitt's government in 1801 led to a separation between Pitt and his cousin, William Wyndham Grenville (Lord Grenville). Encouraged by the Marquess of Buckingham, Grenville's followers began to express dissatisfaction with the subsequent Addington government. By 1803, Grenville acknowledged leadership of this group, known as the "New Opposition." This faction largely comprised former Portland Whigs who had joined Pitt's government in 1794 and opposed the Addington ministry's peace initiatives with France.

Alliance and Disagreement

The "New Opposition" formed a tentative alliance with Charles James Fox's "Old Opposition." However, significant disagreements persisted, most notably concerning the prosecution of the war with France. The Grenvillites advocated for a more aggressive war policy, contrasting with Fox's preference for peace through negotiation.

Ministry of All the Talents

Upon Pitt's death in 1806, the King was compelled to form a government that included both the "New" and "Old" Opposition. Lord Grenville became Prime Minister, leading the "Ministry of All the Talents." Although the coalition partners found common ground primarily on the abolition of the slave trade, the ministry was short-lived, collapsing in early 1807 largely due to royal opposition.

The Faction's Dissipation

Fading Influence

Following the death of the Marquess of Buckingham in 1813 and Lord Grenville's withdrawal from political life in 1817, the Grenvillites persisted as a distinct opposition group. However, their influence waned considerably, and they became largely subservient to the ambitions of Buckingham's son, the 2nd Marquess of Buckingham. Many former Portland Whigs had by this time reverted to their original Whig allegiances.

Absorption into Government

In 1822, Prime Minister Lord Liverpool effectively secured the group's support for his government. This was achieved by elevating Buckingham to the Dukedom of Buckingham and Chandos and incorporating key Grenvillite figures, such as Charles Williams-Wynn, into governmental positions. This strategic move marked the final dissolution of the Grenvillites as an independent political faction.

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References

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The Grenville Circle: Navigating 18th-Century British Politics

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Background 📜

👨‍ family Family Influence

↔️ A Factional Split

🏷️ Emergence of the Grenvillites

George Grenville's Leadership 🏛️

🇬🇧 Prime Minister

🗣️ Opposition Leader

⚰️ Post-Mortem Influence

The Marquess of Buckingham's Era 🏰

👑 Shifting Power Dynamics

🌍 Foreign Policy Focus

Lord Grenville's Premiership 🤝

⚖️ The "New Opposition"

⚔️ Alliance and Disagreement

⭐ Ministry of All the Talents

The Faction's Dissipation 📉

⏳ Fading Influence

💰 Absorption into Government

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Disclaimer ⚠️

📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Background

Family Influence

A Factional Split

Emergence of the Grenvillites

George Grenville's Leadership

Prime Minister

Opposition Leader

Post-Mortem Influence

The Marquess of Buckingham's Era

Shifting Power Dynamics

Foreign Policy Focus

Lord Grenville's Premiership

The "New Opposition"

Alliance and Disagreement

Ministry of All the Talents

The Faction's Dissipation

Fading Influence

Absorption into Government

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice