June 29, 1756

William Pitt Takes Charge of British Government

William Pitt enters the government as Secretary of State for the Southern Department in the Duke of Newcastle's ministry. Pitt assumes leadership for conducting the war as Britain faces the real possibility of losing America and India to the French. Although the Duke of Devonshire replaces Newcastle in November, and the Duke of Newcastle succeeds Devonshire the next year, Pitt remains in the post until 1761 and almost singlehandedly turns around Britain's military fortunes.