William Pitt the Elder (1708 - 1778)

William Pitt, 1st Earl of Chatham, the Great Commoner PC (15 November 1708 – 11 May 1778), called William Pitt the Elder by historians, was a British Whig statesman who led Britain during the Seven Years' War (known as the French and Indian War in North America). He again led the country (holding the official title of Lord Privy Seal) between 1766 and 1768. Much of his power came from his brilliant oratory. He was out of power for most of his career, and became famous for his attacks on the government, such as Walpole's corruption in the 1730s, Hanoverian subsidies in the 1740s, peace with France in the 1760s, and the uncompromising policy toward the American colonies in the 1770s.