Henry Pelham

ModernPoliticianGreat Britain1694 — 1754

Consolidated British national debt as PM.

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Quick Facts

Born

1694

Died

1754

Country

Great Britain

Era

Modern

Occupation

Politician

Score Overview

Military (10%)50

Political (20%)70

Influence (20%)57

Legacy (20%)49

Leadership (15%)78

Strategy (15%)44

Total Score58.2

Henry Pelham — Complete Timeline

1744 AD

Management of the War of the Austrian SuccessionWar◆ Major

As Prime Minister, Pelham directed British military and financial support for the Pragmatic Sanction, funding campaigns in Europe and North America. The war ended with the Treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle in 1748, which returned Louisbourg to France, a decision criticized in Britain.

WarDiplomacyTreaty

Impact: global

1749 AD

Consolidation of the British National DebtReform◆ Major

As Prime Minister, Pelham oversaw the reduction of the interest rate on the British national debt from 4% to 3%, saving the government

FinanceDebt ManagementEconomic Reform

Impact: nationalconstructive

1753 AD

Passage of the Jew Bill of 1753Political Action

Pelham's government passed the Jewish Naturalization Act, allowing foreign-born Jews to become British subjects. Widespread public opposition forced its repeal the following year, damaging Pelham's political standing.

LegislationReligious ToleranceRepeal

Impact: nationalprogressive