Regarded as the first Prime Minister, Robert Walpole's
political career began as a Whig MP in 1700. He later
became Secretary for War and Treasurer for the Navy,
then was impeached for corruption - but came back as
First Lord of the Treasury and Chancellor of the
Exchequer in 1715. He lost office again shortly afterwards,
but returned to successfully handle the financial crisis known
as the South Sea Bubble. In 1721, he became First Lord of the
Treasury and Chancellor of the Exchequer - and maintained this
position of power until forced to resign over the War of Jenkin's Ear in
1742. Although many of his opponents saw him as unkempt and coarse, Walpole was a supreme political operator, capable of combining political patronage with skilful management to eliminate opponents and turn apparent defeats to his advantage.
