Robert Walpole and 'Cabinet' government
I can explain how the role of Prime Minister and ‘Cabinet’ government emerged in response to the South Sea Bubble.
Robert Walpole and 'Cabinet' government
I can explain how the role of Prime Minister and ‘Cabinet’ government emerged in response to the South Sea Bubble.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- 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.
Keywords
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 misconception
Walpole created the role of Prime Minister and the idea of Cabinet.
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.
To help you plan your year 8 history lesson on: Robert Walpole and 'Cabinet' government, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 8 history lesson on: Robert Walpole and 'Cabinet' government, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
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Explore more key stage 3 history lessons from the The emergence of cabinet government: why did Walpole become Prime Minister? unit, dive into the full secondary history curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
representatives of the people who advise the monarch and enact laws
a Christian whose leader is the Pope in Rome
representatives of the people who advise the monarch and enact laws
Exit quiz
6 Questions
Chancellor of the Exchequer during the South Sea crisis
team of politicians who run the governing of Britain
King of Great Britain