Parliamentary debates on British colonial policy during the Ministry of W. Pitt the Elder (1766-1768)

The study is devoted to the analysis of the parliamentary debates in Great Britain in the mid-1760s, caused by the crisis of the colonial system after the Seven Years’ War. The focus is on two key aspects: the repeal of the Stamp Act (1765-1766) and the controversy surrounding the regulation of the East India Company (1766-1767). Based on the analysis of parliamentary speeches and the alignment of political forces, the author demonstrates that the traditional two-party scheme (Tory - Whig) inadequately describes the real political dynamics of the era. Instead of a clear ideological confrontation, situational coalitions are observed: for example, Rockinghamite Whigs (E. Burke) and John Grenville’s pro-royal supporters united to defend the principle of private property and the “sanctity” of the royal charters against radicals (W. Beckford) and the government coalition of W. Pitt the Elder, who advocated strengthening state control over the company. It is concluded that parliamentary discussions on colonial issues were determined not so much by party affiliation as by pragmatic interests, rhetorical strategies, and personal connections. The study highlights the need for further revision of the established interpretations of British political life of the 18th century through the prism of political language research.