Changes

The position of Prime Minister developed from the English Medieval idea of having a leading minister. or effectively and adviser, to the king. For instance, during the reign of Henry VIII, Thomas Cromwell was the king's chief minister who led council meetings and often had the most influence on the king. In fact, it was Thomas Cromwell who help devise and implement the English Reformation, which saw England leave the Catholic church during during 1532-1534 and form the Church of England. There often was no position called "Chief Minister" or "Prime Minister." However, many people in government often held various posts for different kings, including Robert Cecil, that regardless of their position they often had the role of chief adviser to the king or queen. Effectively, the post of a chief minister became a type of informal designation, with this tradition continuing into the the 17th century. During the English Civil War, from 1642-1651, Parliament became not only powerful but overthrew the monarch with the establishment of the post Lord Protector under Oliver Cromwell. Although the post of "Lord Protector" did not last after Cromwell, with the king (Charles II) invited back to govern, English and subsequently British and global history changed. Now, Parliament with much greater authority and having the ability to control the fate of the king, began to formalize a new position that enabled someone beside the king to lead the government. The Glorious Revolution in 1688 overthrew the king once more (James II), which effectively gave Parliament more power. This was followed up with the Bill of Rights in 1689 Act. This formalized the House of Commons as being part of the government and able to control taxes and establish new laws. This drastically reduced the power of the king but it required someone else to lead government. Under George I, who came to the throne in 1714, it became more apparent that a chief, leading minister acting to lead the government was needed. George did not speak English and was also the King of Hanover. This meant he was often detached from British affairs, leaving government to his chief adviser. The main minister in his government was Robert Walpole, who soon began to effectively lead and become the first <i>de facto </i> Prime Minister. Although he was not elected through his party winning the House of Commons, it set the precedent that a chief adviser should also formally lead government.