The Political Career of Wills Hill, Earl of Hillsborough (1718-1793) with particular reference to his American policy

Abstract

Many historians of the American Revolution have commented upon the absence of a biography of the Earl of Hillsborough. This is indeed a notable omission, as Hillsborough had a long and varied political career and played a vital role in the events which led up to the War of American Independence. This study is an attempt to fill the gap. As its title suggests, it concentrates on Hillsborough's political life and especially on his attitude towards America. It does not deal with his policy towards the Caribbean Islands during his service at the Board of Trade or the Colonial Department as this would, in itself provide sufficient material for a separate study. For the same reason, his attitude towards the Irish problem, Britain's domestic policy and European foreign policy, during his term as Southern Secretary (November 1779 - March 1782) has been ignored.