Description
Book SynopsisThe Struggle for the Scepter offers a richly-detailed narrative history of the relationship between the British Parliament and the Crown during the 18th century. Drawing on extensive primary source documentsincluding political pamphlets, diaries, and correspondence exchanged by major political players of the periodthe book traces the gradual decline of the Crown's power throughout the century, such that by 1800, political power had shifted to what might be called a modern parliamentary system.
The Struggle for the Scepter persuasively links this significant shift to the British nation's recognition of five principal truths by century's end: [1] That unified political parties based on principle rather than personality were here to stay. [2] That this was a good thing, in part because without party organization and party discipline it proved impossible to manage a House of Commons of roughly 550 Members; and, in part because the notion of a loyal Oppositi
Table of Contents
Acknowledgments – Editor’s Preface – Editor’s Introduction – The Rise and Fall of Sir Robert Walpole – The Reign of the Pelhams – The Strange Career of Mr. William Pitt – Lord Rockingham and the Failure of Parliamentary Undertaking – Lord North and the Failure of Court Management – The Younger Pitt and the Erosion of Royal Power – Conclusion – Index.
