Mark Henderson answered
Great Britain's first prime minister was Sir Robert Walpole, who governed from 1721 to 1742. Despite this historic honor, Walpole did not actually use the title of "Prime Minister", but rather served as First Lord of the Treasury, and then after 1730 as head of the Cabinet. Nevertheless, Walpole was regarded as the de facto Prime Minister because of his influence within the Cabinet. (The first person to use the title "Prime Minister" was Sir Henry Campbell-Bannerman.)
In terms of political and party affiliation, Walpole was a member of the British Whig Party: A liberal-conservative organization aimed at establishing and upholding a constitutional monarchy. Support for the Whigs was generally strong among aristocrats and the party's power increased under Walpole's tenure.
Robert Walpole was the first prime minister to live at 10 Downing Street, thanks to King George II, who provided the head of government with the house in 1732.
Walpole's political demise was brought about by his response to the War of Jenkins' Ear ( which was a trade dispute between England and Spain), and his opposition to this war and defeat in the Battle of Cartagena severely eroded his authority. He lost the ensuing vote of no confidence and resigned.
Upon leaving office, Sir Robert Walpole was afforded the title Earl of Oxford and was given a seat in the House of Lords. He died in 1745, having been England's first and longest serving Prime Minister.
In terms of political and party affiliation, Walpole was a member of the British Whig Party: A liberal-conservative organization aimed at establishing and upholding a constitutional monarchy. Support for the Whigs was generally strong among aristocrats and the party's power increased under Walpole's tenure.
Robert Walpole was the first prime minister to live at 10 Downing Street, thanks to King George II, who provided the head of government with the house in 1732.
Walpole's political demise was brought about by his response to the War of Jenkins' Ear ( which was a trade dispute between England and Spain), and his opposition to this war and defeat in the Battle of Cartagena severely eroded his authority. He lost the ensuing vote of no confidence and resigned.
Upon leaving office, Sir Robert Walpole was afforded the title Earl of Oxford and was given a seat in the House of Lords. He died in 1745, having been England's first and longest serving Prime Minister.
