Addington resigns and Pitt the Younger forms his second ministry (1804)

Background. Addington served as Prime Minister from 1801 to 1804, obtaining the Treaty of Amiens in 1802. By 1803, war with France resumed. Addington's inability to manage the combined opposition of Pitt and Fox led to his resignation in late April 1804, as his parliamentary majority evaporated.

Parliamentary Manoeuvring. In March 1804, Pitt launched a parliamentary assault against Addington, reducing his majority to the point where defeat in the House of Commons was imminent. By May 1804, partisan criticism of Addington's war policies provided the pretext for a parliamentary putsch by the Grenvillites, Foxites, and Pittites, who decided to replace his ministry.

Pitt's Return. Pitt had previously resigned in February 1801 over Catholic Emancipation issues. He supported the Addington administration with little enthusiasm, often staying at Walmer Castle. Pitt finally returned to the premiership on 10 May 1804, serving until his death in 1806.