Pitt was born on May 28, 1759, in Hayes, Kent, England. His father, William Pitt, Sr., was a prominent politician who served as Prime Minister from 1766 to 1768. Pitt was educated at Pembroke Hall, Cambridge, where he excelled in his studies.
In 1780, Pitt was elected to the House of Commons. He quickly gained a reputation as a brilliant orator and a skilled politician. In 1783, at the age of 24, he became Prime Minister after the resignation of Lord North.
Pitt's first term as Prime Minister was a period of great economic and political change. He introduced several important reforms, including the Pitt India Act of 1784, which reformed the governance of British India, and the Commercial Treaty with France of 1786, which reduced trade barriers between the two countries.
Pitt also played a key role in the French Revolutionary Wars. He was determined to prevent the spread of revolutionary ideas to Britain, and he led the country into war against France in 1793. The war was long and costly, but Pitt ultimately emerged victorious.
In 1801, Pitt resigned as Prime Minister due to ill health. He returned to office in 1804, but his second term was short-lived. He died on January 23, 1806, at the age of 46.
Pitt is considered one of the most important British Prime Ministers. He was a gifted politician and a skilled orator. He also played a key role in shaping British history during a time of great change.