Robert Walpole Biography and Timeline — Page 2

Paymaster General

Appointed Paymaster General

Role range: 1716-1760 – 1721-1742

Walpole Returns as First Lord

Walpole took control of the Treasury as the government sought to recover from the South Sea scandal.

Walpole Reorganises Public Credit

Walpole's administration helped arrange financial measures to restore confidence in obligations damaged by the speculative crash.

Reform of Government

Suspended due to fears of a Jacobite uprising

Role range: 1716-1760 – 1721-1742

Walpole Resists Jacobite Conspiracy

Walpole's government responded to the Atterbury plot and renewed fears of a Jacobite challenge.

Walpole Oversees Currency Policy Dispute

Walpole's ministry addressed disagreements about coinage and monetary policy in Britain and Ireland.

Walpole Manages Wood Halfpence Controversy

The government faced Irish opposition to William Wood's copper coinage patent while Walpole defended ministerial authority.

Government

Instructed by George II to take orders from Spencer Compton

Role range: 1716-1760 – 1721-1742

Reform of Government

The Winner of the favor of George II when he increases the Civil List by œ100,000

Role range: 1716-1760 – 1721-1742

George Second Retains Walpole in Office

Walpole maintained the new king's confidence after George I died and George II inherited the throne.

Convention

Provides for an Anglo-Spanish truce

Role range: 1716-1760 – 1721-1742

Reform of Catholic Rights

Disenfrachises the Irish Roman Catholics

Role range: 1716-1760 – 1721-1742

Walpole Pursues Anglo Spanish Accommodation

Walpole supported diplomatic efforts to reduce tensions with Spain and avoid costly conflict.

Prime Minister of Great Britain

Appointed Prime Minister of Great Britain, 2nd term

Role range: 1716-1760 – 1721-1742

Walpole Strengthens Commons Majority

Walpole relied on parliamentary management and court support to sustain the Whig administration.

Succession

Signs the Treaty of Vienna supporting the success of Maria Theresa

Role range: 1716-1760 – 1721-1742

Treaty of Vienna

Ends the Anglo-French entente. Charles VI gains support for his "pragmatic sanction" for the succession Maria Theresa

Role range: 1716-1760 – 1721-1742

Budget

Taxation is shifted toward commodities. Land Tax is cut to 1 sh in the œ, a reduction of 3/4 from its peak

Role range: 1716-1760 – 1721-1742

Economy of Great Britain

Taxation is shifted toward commodities

Role range: 1716-1760 – 1721-1742

Taxation

Taxation is shifted toward commodities

Role range: 1716-1760 – 1721-1742

Walpole Reduces Land Tax Burden

Walpole pursued reductions in the land tax while maintaining public revenue through other sources.

Walpole Defends Peaceful Foreign Policy

Walpole continued to argue that diplomacy and financial stability were preferable to another major European war.

Reform of Taxation

Drops scheme to impose internal tax rather than duties on tobacco & wine. Attempts to tackle smuggling

Role range: 1716-1760 – 1721-1742

Walpole Proposes Excise Reorganisation

Walpole introduced a controversial plan to change the collection of duties on wine and tobacco.

Walpole Withdraws Excise Proposal

Facing strong political opposition Walpole abandoned his proposed excise changes.

Election

Wins his 3rd general election victory

Role range: 1716-1760 – 1721-1742

Prime Minister of Great Britain

Appointed Prime Minister of Great Britain, 3rd term

Role range: 1716-1760 – 1721-1742

Walpole Survives General Election

The governing Whigs retained a parliamentary position sufficient for Walpole to continue as chief minister.

Walpole Occupies Ten Downing Street

Walpole used 10 Downing Street as the official residence of the First Lord of the Treasury.

Death of Robert Walpole

Death of Caroline of Ansbach, Walpole loses a very valuable ally in the Royal Court

Role range: 1716-1760 – 1721-1742

Marriage

Walpole marries his mistress Maria Skerret but she dies a few months later

Role range: 1716-1760 – 1721-1742

Marriage

Walpole marries his mistress, Maria Skerritt, who dies shortly thereafter during childbirth

Queen Caroline Death Weakens Minister

The death of Queen Caroline deprived Walpole of an influential supporter within George II's court.

Convention

Compromise settlement of commercial disputes with Spain

Role range: 1716-1760 – 1721-1742

Declaration of War

Declares war on Spain for breaches of the Pravdo Convention

Role range: 1716-1760 – 1721-1742

Declaration of War

Reluctantly declares war against Spain due to pressure from the City & the King. A state of war fever breaks out over "Jenkins ear"

Role range: 1716-1760 – 1721-1742

Walpole Reluctantly Enters Spanish War

Political pressure contributed to Britain's declaration of war against Spain despite Walpole's preference for peace.

1st to use the phrase Balance of Power to express the British

1st to use the phrase "Balance of Power" to express the British foreign policy

Role range: 1716-1760 – 1721-1742

Balance of Power

1st to use the phrase "Balance of Power" to express the British foreign policy

Role range: 1716-1760 – 1721-1742

Resignation of Robert Walpole

Resigns as Prime Minister of Great Britain

Role range: 1716-1760 – 1721-1742