Two Kings and a Prime Minister By: Eliza Kassebaum.

Two Kings and a Prime Minister

By: Eliza Kassebaum

George I (1714-1727)

The son of Sophia of Hanover, the granddaughter of James I

52nd in line to the British throne

Crowned King 2 months after Queen Anne’s death when he was 54

George I most famous for incarcerating his wife Sophia Dorothea of Celle

Two children: George Augustus and Sophia Dorothea

Spent the majority of his time in Hanover

Had no interest in ruling Britain unless it benefitted Hanover

A Jacobite emissary wrote, “Nothing so much disgusted the people of Britain at the Elector than his being ignorant of their language, and his saying he was too old to learn it or to change his manner.”

Won the first Stuart Rebellion in 1715 at the Battle of Sheriffmuir

The First Prime Minister (English Colossus)

Because George I had little interest in British affairs, Cabinet government became the dominant power in England

Whig member Sir Robert Walpole became the first ‘prime minister’

Previously Chancellor of the Exchequer

Achieved power through system of bribery and corruption

King George I and II owe much to Walpole for his political scheming and brilliant use of propaganda

Successful as a prime minister largely for refusing to go to war

Faced extreme opposition from Viscount Bolingbroke and his pamphlet The Craftsman

After Queen Caroline died, he lost most of the king’s support

After George II engaged France in the War for Austrian Succession, Walpole retired

Sir Robert Walpole

The man, who should affect the greatest zeal for the Principles thus established, and the means then used, would deserve, I think, to be rank’d among the false Brethren, and would prove himself a treacherous, and a mercenary friend to the Revolution, if he shewed any indifference about the ends obtain’d, or endeavour’d in any manner to defeat those, that were intended to be obtained by it. The people, who run so great a risque, and bring about so great an event, in order to restore their constitution, and to secure their liberties against dangers of every kind, and especially against those, which recent experience hath taught them to apprehend, have surely a good right to the whole benefit of such a Revolution; and they cannot be deprived of any part of this benefit, or lest exposed to any shadow of the same dangers, by any rule of justice, or good policy.

-Viscount Bolingbroke in A Dissertation upon Parties; in Several Letters to Caleb D’Anvers Esq.; Dedicated to the Right Honorable Sir Robert Walpole

George II (1727-1760)

Also born in Hanover

Married to Queen Caroline

Unlike his father, wanted to gain popularity in Britain

Originally wanted to depart from Walpole

Wife, parliamentary support, and financial security convinced him otherwise

The beginning of George’s reign saw a peace that allowed for road expansion and a zeal for creating canals

This made travel faster, increased trade, and expanded the opportunities for the middle class

George II the last monarch to ride with his soldiers at the Battle of Dettingen in 1743

Gave a speech on the day: ‘Now boys! Now for the honor of England! Fire and Behave brave, and the French will run!’

Won the second and last Stuart Rebellion in 1745 at the Battle of Culloden

Led by George II favorite son, Duke of Cumberland

George II and War

The peace quickly ended following the involvement of Britain in War of Austrian Succession

George II the last monarch to ride with his soldiers at the Battle of Dettingen in 1743

Gave a speech on the day: ‘Now boys! Now for the honor of England! Fire and Behave brave, and the French will run!’

Won the second and last Stuart Rebellion in 1745 at the Battle of Culloden

Led by George II favorite son, Duke of Cumberland

By 1756, French and Indian War in America had become a global conflict known as the Seven Years’ War (1756-1763)

George II hastily came to the aid of his home country

Under William Pitt’s guidance as prime minister the British were able to defeat the French in America, the West Indian Islands, and India

Also acquired Florida, Cuba, and Manila

Unfortunately, George II died before he could witness the defeat of the French

On October 25, 1760 the King died after finishing his morning chocolate

George II Legacy

Although George II died before seeing the end of the Seven Years’ War Britain saw a massive expansion of colonial territory, increased trade, and a stable economy

Most important off all the form of government known as parliamentary monarchy was established and proven to be an effective way to govern Britain as long as both monarch and parliament recognized the limitations to their power

“….the King had a right to admit and dismiss from his councils whomever he pleased: and he might, without assigning any cause, or without fixing any guilt upon the person, recall that confidence which he had been graciously pleased to bestow upon any one of his servants.” –Lord North to House of Commons (1782)