List of MPs elected in the 1768 British general election facts for kids

The Thirteenth Parliament of Great Britain was a very important group of lawmakers who met from 1768 to 1774. Think of it like a big meeting where elected people from across Great Britain came together to make laws and discuss important issues for the country. This Parliament was especially significant because of the big changes happening in the world, particularly with the American colonies.

Understanding the Thirteenth Parliament

The Parliament of Great Britain was the main law-making body for the Kingdom of Great Britain. It was made up of two parts: the House of Lords and the House of Commons of Great Britain. The Thirteenth Parliament was elected in 1768 and served for about six years. During this time, 558 people were elected as Members of Parliament (MPs) to represent different areas.

Who Were the Members of Parliament?

Members of Parliament, or MPs, were people chosen by voters to represent their towns or counties. They would go to the Palace of Westminster in London to debate and create laws. These laws affected everyone in Great Britain and its colonies. The MPs came from different political groups, mainly the Whigs and the Tories. These groups had different ideas about how the country should be run.

Changes in Membership

During the six years this Parliament was active, some MPs left their seats. This could happen for many reasons. Sometimes an MP might pass away. Other times, they might be given a new job by the King, or they might become a Lord, which meant they would move to the House of Lords. When a seat became empty, a special election called a "by-election" was held to choose a new MP.

Key Events During This Parliament

The Thirteenth Parliament met during a time of big changes and challenges for Great Britain. One of the most important issues was the growing tension with the American colonies.

Debates on American Colonies

Many of the debates in this Parliament were about how to deal with the American colonies. The British government wanted the colonies to pay taxes to help cover the costs of protecting them. However, many colonists felt this was unfair because they didn't have their own representatives in Parliament. This idea was summed up by the phrase "No taxation without representation."

The Boston Tea Party

A famous event that happened during this Parliament's time was the Boston Tea Party in 1773. This was when American colonists protested British taxes on tea by dumping tea into Boston Harbor. In response, the Parliament passed a series of strict laws known as the "Intolerable Acts" (or Coercive Acts). These laws were meant to punish Massachusetts, but they only made the colonists angrier.

Lord North's Leadership

Much of this Parliament's time was led by Lord North, who was the Prime Minister. He tried to manage the growing problems with the colonies. However, the decisions made during his time in office, especially regarding taxes and colonial rights, eventually led to the American Revolutionary War.

See also

• 1768 British general election
• List of parliaments of Great Britain
• Unreformed House of Commons