18th Century Politics [Book Research]

The book 'Georgians Revealed' contains a comprehensive book on the era which defined the lifestyle and changes in Britain. Also events such as the french revolution, had a knock on effect on the British empire and economy. The book was very literate in discussing the political and religious developments in 18th century britain, outlined in the images below. Religion was always based around the protestant anglican church movements, where catholics would not be accepted within many aspects of society. However a group of protestant protesters known as Dissenters formed, who were allowed to worship in any way they liked as well as setting up educational establishments. Towards the end of the century Dissenters then joined political groups which would allow more aggravation on the neglected way of which catholic worshippers were treated.

Politics was also restricted greatly in the century, with only 2% of the population being able to vote. Majority of these voters were men, usually who owned large homes and estates allowing them to 'franchise' in on the opinions of the British parliament.

Upheaval began to become apparent amongst those unable to vote. The King and parliamentary party the 'Whigs' had already dragged the country into many wars, and this was something the British society disagreed with, wanting change. The growing towns and cities wanted representatives to be valued in parliament however this fell upon deaf ears, with no significant change happening. The rich stayed rich and the poor stayed poor.

The second book which looks significantly at political issues around Georgiana's lifetime, is her biography already referenced within this unit. The book discusses many phases of Georgiana's political career, useful to the project to attain an idea of what she stood for in the way of the male world of politics.

An unstable coalition within 1783 between Lord Shelbourne and Rockingham meant that the lack of discussion between the parties lead the Whigs to doubt the whole coalition. Lord Rockingham came down with the flu and within two weeks was dead, causing an end to this doubt. The Duke of Portland stepped in with William Fox as heir apparent. Fox did not want to work with the

Duke closely and decided to hand in resignation from the party. William Pitt, a young man Fox's mother met was one to benefit from this, pledging allegiance to the Whigs. Despite Fox and Pitt's fathers being bitter enemy within childhood Fox had dubbed him a rising star in politics.
This did not last long. Pitt did not share enough animosity towards the king like the rest of the party. This lead to the men going head to head on canvassing for votes. Georgiana who consistently advised Fox on his political involvement chose to canvas with him, whilst Pitt took Lady Salisbury and Mrs Hobart along. They received far less attention than Georgiana, already a celebrity for her fashion sense, acquaintances and public life. She was an easy target with media reporting her exchanging votes for sexual favours. The Morning Herald also ran vicious stories of Georgiana being Fox's mistress and she reluctantly took advice long overdue from her mother and left canvassing. The confidence of Georgiana was shot down as she resided in Northampton until the voting ended.

The lack of confidence within Georgiana and the victimisation is very visual within this writing, with her seen as a victim rather than the proud eccentric beautiful woman she was. This will be something to consider within the poise of the images I will create for politics.