India Company lobby in British Parliament, 1763–1813: composition, evolution of structure and political activity

  • Aliaksei V. Yesman Belarusian State University, 4 Niezaliežnasci Avenue, Minsk 220030, Belarus

Abstract

In the article author, based on the created database, which includes various information about 838 members of the lobby, analyses the quantity, composition and changes in the structure of the lobby of the English East India Company in British Parliament from the end of the seven-year war to the abolition of its monopoly in 1813. Methods of statistical analysis and sample processing used to obtain the result. The author concludes that the companyʼs lobby, depending on the level of its memberʼs involvement of into its affairs, can be divided into 4 main group. The article also analyzes the quantitative results of voting by members of the lobby on a wide range of issues discussed in the British Parliament during the designated period. It revealed that the greatest activity and quantity of East India Companyʼs lobby in the British Parliament observed in the late 1760s – first half of 1780s. However, the Company and its lobby nevertheless did not have sufficient influence to fully broadcast and defend their interests in the Parliament of Great Britain. Moreover, in most cases, members of the lobby, in particular the former stockholders of the Company, held positions opposing the active Ministries.

Author Biography

Aliaksei V. Yesman, Belarusian State University, 4 Niezaliežnasci Avenue, Minsk 220030, Belarus

postgraduate student at the department of Modern and Contemporary history, faculty of history

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Published
2018-01-31
Keywords: East India Company, Great Britain, Parliamentary history, Modern history, XVIII century, XIX century
How to Cite
Yesman A. V. India Company lobby in British Parliament, 1763–1813: composition, evolution of structure and political activity // Journal of the Belarusian State University. History. 2018. 1. PP. 70-77.
Issue
No 1 (2018): Journal of the Belarusian State University. History
Section
World History

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