William Pitt the Younger

William Pitt the Younger was a British statesman who served as prime minister from 1783 to 1801 and 1804 to 1806. His governments managed Britain’s finances and led the country through the French Revolutionary Wars.

Charles James Fox: Charles James Fox was a British Whig politician and orator who opposed Pitt’s governments. Fox became Pitt’s leading parliamentary opponent and later served with him in a coalition.
Sinking fund: A fund that uses budget surpluses or dedicated revenues to repay public debt. Pitt established a sinking fund in 1786 as part of his plan to reduce Britain’s national debt.
Fox–North coalition: A British coalition government formed in 1783 by Charles James Fox and Lord North. Its collapse helped George III appoint Pitt, then only twenty-four, as prime minister.
Acts of Union 1800: The laws that united Great Britain and Ireland in a single kingdom from 1801. Pitt’s government secured the union, though his planned Catholic emancipation did not pass.
George III: George III was king of Great Britain and Ireland from 1760 to 1820. The king invited Pitt to form a government in 1783 and remained a central constitutional figure during Pitt’s ministry.
Income tax: A tax levied directly on individuals’ earnings or other income. Pitt introduced Britain’s first modern income tax in 1799 to finance the war against France.
East India Company Act 1784: A British law that placed the East India Company’s political affairs under government oversight. Pitt’s India Act established a Board of Control and became an early landmark of his administration.
Catholic emancipation: The removal of legal restrictions that barred Catholics from political rights and public office. Pitt resigned in 1801 after George III rejected his effort to extend emancipation following the union.
Henry Addington: Henry Addington was a British politician who succeeded Pitt as prime minister in 1801. Pitt’s resignation cleared the way for his close associate Addington to take office.
Bank Restriction Act 1797: A British law that suspended the Bank of England’s duty to exchange banknotes for gold. Pitt’s government imposed the restriction during financial pressure caused by war and fears of a bank run.

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