The Political History of England - Vol XI / From Addington's Administration to the close of William IV.'s Reign (1801-1837)

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

26727

Title

The Political History of England - Vol XI / From Addington's Administration to the close of William IV.'s Reign (1801-1837)

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

This volume chronicles British politics from 1801 to 1837, covering the administrations of Addington, Pitt, Grenville, Liverpool, and Grey. It details the Peninsular War, the Napoleonic conflicts, the Congress of Vienna, and domestic reforms like the New Poor Law, offering a comprehensive political history of the era.

Summary up to 500 words

Spanning twenty-six years of turbulent history, this volume examines the political evolution of Great Britain from the end of the Napoleonic Wars to the early Victorian era. It begins with the brief Addington ministry and the Treaty of Amiens, followed by the return of William Pitt the Younger and the formation of the Third Coalition. The narrative extensively covers the Peninsular War under the Duke of Wellington, the eventual downfall of Napoleon, and the subsequent Congress of Vienna which reshaped European borders. Domestically, the text explores the social upheavals of the post-war period, including the Luddite riots, the Peterloo Massacre, and the rise of radical agitation. A significant portion is dedicated to the New Poor Law of 1834, analyzing the shift from outdoor relief to the workhouse test and its impact on the rural poor. The volume also addresses the critical issue of Irish affairs, detailing the struggle over the Union, the tithe controversy, and the eventual collapse of Lord Grey's ministry due to discord over appropriation. The work concludes with the formation of Lord Melbourne's Whig administration under the regency of the Prince Regent (later William IV). It covers the repeal of the House Tax, the death of Princess Charlotte, and the accession of William IV. Through the lens of major figures like Pitt, Wellington, Canning, and Peel, the text provides a detailed account of the transition from the old order to the modern state, highlighting the enduring challenges of poverty, reform, and national identity.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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Categories

• History
• Politics