Robert Walpole, 1st
Earl of Orford, KG, KB, PC (26 August 1676 – 18 March 1745), known
before 1742 as Sir Robert Walpole, was a British statesman
who is generally regarded as the first Prime
Minister of Great Britain. Although the exact dates of his dominance are
a matter of scholarly debate, 1721-1742 are often used. He dominated the Walpole–Townshend
Ministry and the Ministry and holds the
record as the longest serving Prime Minister in British history. Critics called
his system the "Robinocracy." Speck says that Walpole's uninterrupted
run of 20 years as Prime Minister "is rightly regarded as one of the major
feats of British political history.... Explanations are usually offered in
terms of his expert handling of the political system after 1720, [and] his
unique blending of the surviving powers of the crown with the increasing
influence of the Commons.
He was a Whig from
the gentry class, who was first elected to parliament in 1701, and held many
senior positions. He was a country squire and looked to country gentlemen for
his political base. Historian Frank O'Gorman says his leadership in Parliament
reflected his "reasonable and persuasive oratory, his ability to move both
the emotions as well as the minds of men, and, above all, his extraordinary
self-confidence." Hoppit says Walpole's policies sought moderation:
he worked for peace, lower taxes, growing exports, and allowed a little more
tolerance for Protestant Dissenters. He avoided controversy and high-intensity
disputes, as his middle way attracted moderates from both the Whig and Tory
camps.
Dickinson sums up his
historical role:
Walpole was one of the
greatest politicians in British history. He played a significant role in
sustaining the Whig party, safeguarding the Hanoverian succession, and
defending the principles of the Glorious Revolution (1688)....He established a
stable political supremacy for the Whig party and taught succeeding ministers
how best to establish an effective working relationship between Crown and
Parliament.
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