The Regency Crisis and the Whigs 1788-9

Dr Derry shows that the three-month controversy over the Regency in 1788–9 was the first stage in the break-up of the old Whig party.

John W. Derry (Author)

9780521071628, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 14 August 2008

256 pages
22.5 x 15.2 x 1.9 cm, 0.54 kg

The greatest divergence of opinion in the three-month controversy over the Regency in 1788–9 was within the opposition party itself. Dr Derry shows that this political crisis was the first stage in the break-up of the old Whig party, which was finally precipitated by the disputes over the French Revolution. His book is a study of the effects of George III's madness upon Fox, Burke and the Whigs. Dr Derry sketches in the general political background, giving character studies of Pitt and Fox. He discusses the constitutional problems of a Regency and the medical diagnoses of the King's doctors, a major factor governing political conduct since so much depended on the condition of the King.

Introduction
1. The King's illness and the crisis to 10th December
2. The parliamentary debates of December 1788
3. The policy of restriction and the disillusionment of the Whigs
4. Edmund Burke and the crisis of 1788
5. The final debates and the recover of the King.

Subject Areas: History [HB]