The Challenge of War

Abstract

In the spring of 1789 the prevalent mood in Britain was one of celebration. The recovery of George iii was greeted with widespread relief; the nation rejoiced at being delivered from crisis. Pitt had once again demonstrated his uncanny mastery of the craft of politics. Only Fox and his friends ruefully brooded over the collapse of their hopes. The news that the States-General were meeting in Versailles heightened the feeling of optimism. It seemed almost beyond belief that the Bourbon monarchy, for so long the symbol to most Britons of absolutism and intolerance, was on the brink of reforming itself.