John Russell, the fourth Duke of Bedford, and politics, 1745-1751
This dissertation on the fourth duke of Bedford examines the political activities of a member of the House of Lords. It documents the activities of the members of the Pelham Administration, using Bedford's correspondence to provide an outline for the narrative. The aim is to provide a greater understanding of Bedford's political career, and also to illustrate the influence this individual had in determining ministerial policy. A discussion of Bedford's social connections leads into an overview of the events culminating in his inclusion in the Administration in 1745. Initially First Lord of the Admiralty, Bedford was promoted in 1748 to the office of Secretary of State for the Southern Department. In both offices, his concern was the promotion and protection of trade. He advocated the 'Country' Whig view that the protection of British merchants and their overseas markets by the navy was in the countryĂąÂÂs best interest. Bedford recognized the importance of securing and expanding American markets, and implemented measures, such as the proposed 'reduction' of Canada, to promote this aim. Bedford also lead the negotiations for the commercial treaty with Spain, signed at Madrid in 1750, that gave special trade
Philp, Karen
Bedford, John Russell, Duke of, 1710-1771 ; Great Britain--Politics and government--1727-1760 ; 18th century ; eighteenth century ; Bedford ; politics ; John Russell
John Russell, the fourth Duke of Bedford, and politics, 1745-1751. This dissertation on the fourth duke of Bedford examines the political activities of a member of the House of Lords. It documents the activities of the members of the Pelham Administration, using Bedford's correspondence to provide an outline for the narrative. The aim is to provide a greater understanding of Bedford's political career, and also to illustrate the influence this individual had in determining ministerial policy. A discussion of Bedford's social connections leads into an overview of the events culminating in his inclusion in the Administration in 1745. Initially First Lord of the Admiralty, Bedford was promoted in 1748 to the office of Secretary of State for the Southern Department. In both offices, his concern was the promotion and protection of trade. He advocated the 'Country' Whig view that the protection of British merchants and their overseas markets by the navy was in the countryĂąÂÂs best interest. Bedford recognized the importance of securing and expanding American markets, and implemented measures, such as the proposed 'reduction' of Canada, to promote this aim. Bedford also lead the negotiations for the commercial treaty with Spain, signed at Madrid in 1750, that gave special trade
john russell fourth duke bedford politics fourth duke bedford examine political_activity member house_lords document activity member administration use bedford correspondence provide outline narrative aim_provide great bedford political_career also_illustrate influence individual determine ministerial policy discussion bedford social connection lead overview event culminate inclusion administration initially first lord admiralty bedford promote office secretary state southern department office concern promotion protection trade advocate country whig view protection british_merchant overseas market navy best interest bedford recognize importance secure expand american market implement measure propose reduction canada promote aim bedford also lead negotiation commercial treaty spain sign madrid give special trade