Year 8 - History
Robert Walpole and 'Cabinet' government
The emergence of cabinet government: why did Walpole become Prime Minister?
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This pupil-friendly study guide includes a unit summary, clear notes, common mistakes, and quick questions with answers.
Unit Summary
In this short unit, pupils learn about the Hanoverian Succession and the emergence of Robert Walpole as Britain's first Prime Minister. They also develop an appreciation of how cabinet government was formed during this period.
Lesson Summary
You will learn to explain how the role of Prime Minister and 'Cabinet' government emerged in response to the South Sea Bubble.
Key Notes
- The South Sea Company was a prominent joint-stock company in the early 18th century.
- Many British people had been persuaded to invest their money in the Company.
- The Company collapsed, provoking a major political crisis.
- Robert Walpole managed the crisis and emerged as the nation's first Prime Minister.
- Walpole formalised the system of cabinet governance.
Vocabulary To Learn
- shares: issued upon investment in a company, ensuring a 'share' of future profits
- bubble: in this context it refers to the effect of over-confidence in a company, resulting in over-investment and a false high share price
- bankruptcy: a bank running out of money, due to lending more than they should and people withdrawing what is left
- Chancellor of the Exchequer: politician and Member of Parliament in Britain who is in charge of the economy and spending tax money
- Cabinet: team of politicians in Britain who work together to run the country in the form of a government
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- Walpole created the role of Prime Minister and the idea of Cabinet.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Summarise this historical learning in two key ideas.
The South Sea Company was a prominent joint-stock company in the early 18th century. Many British people had been persuaded to invest their money in the Company.
2. Define this history term and explain why it matters in this topic. 'shares'
issued upon investment in a company, ensuring a 'share' of future profits.
3. Correct this common history misconception using evidence language.
Mistake: Walpole created the role of Prime Minister and the idea of Cabinet. Correction: Walpole's leadership saw him become de-facto Prime Minister and he formalised the idea of Cabinet which already existed in a loose, unofficial form.
More Lessons In This Unit
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