Studienarbeit aus dem Jahr 2009 im Fachbereich Anglistik - Kultur
und Landeskunde, einseitig bedruckt, Note: 1,7, Universität Leipzig
(Anglistik), Veranstaltung: 18th Century britain, Sprache: Deutsch,
Abstract: "THERE never was a man, whose actions and character
have been more earnestly and openly canvassed, than those of the
present minister, who, having governed a learned and free nation
for so long a time, amidst such mighty opposition, ... "
(http://www.econlib.org/library/LFBooks/Hume/hmMPL47.html) These
words were written by David Hume in 1742 to describe one of the
central figures of eighteen¿s century Britain- Robert Walpole.
Walpole is considered the first Prime Minister of Great Britain,
although the position "Prime Minister" had no recognition
in official use at the time. He has headed various government
offices on his way to the top of Parliament until he reached it as
First Lord of the Treasury and Chancellor of the Exchequer in 1721.
Walpole dominated English politics from 1722-1742. His governance
period was a powerful era in British history, an era of prosperity
and peace. He deliberately cultivated a frank, hearty manner, but
his political subtlety has scarcely been equaled. But who was this
intelligent, zealous and energetic man? How was he able to reach
the top of the Ministry and remain there for the longest spell in
history? And what caused the downfall of a rather successful man?
These are the central questions covered in this paper. First part
of it will be about the early life of Robert Walpole. Afterwards I
will have a closer look inside his early political career and
subsequently I want to focus on his rise to power. Third and fourth
part of the paper I will develop his premiership under George I and
George II. In the last part I want to have a look at the last years
of premiership und simultaneously I will try to work out the
reasons for his downfall.
