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Questions and Answers
The Jacobite rising of 1745 was supported only by Scottish clans.
The Jacobite rising of 1745 was supported only by Scottish clans.
False
The Battle of Culloden Moor marked the end of Jacobite claims to the throne.
The Battle of Culloden Moor marked the end of Jacobite claims to the throne.
True
William Pitt became Secretary of State in 1756 and initiated the Seven Years War.
William Pitt became Secretary of State in 1756 and initiated the Seven Years War.
True
The Seven Years War was exclusively fought in Europe.
The Seven Years War was exclusively fought in Europe.
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George III succeeded George II at the age of twenty-five.
George III succeeded George II at the age of twenty-five.
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George I was born and raised in England.
George I was born and raised in England.
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Robert Walpole is often considered the first Prime Minister of England.
Robert Walpole is often considered the first Prime Minister of England.
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The cabinet was formed because of George I's frequent absences in Hanover.
The cabinet was formed because of George I's frequent absences in Hanover.
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William Hogarth was known for his contributions in the field of mathematics.
William Hogarth was known for his contributions in the field of mathematics.
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Coffee houses in the 18th century were venues for political discussions and social networking.
Coffee houses in the 18th century were venues for political discussions and social networking.
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Methodism was founded as a non-conformist religious movement by George II.
Methodism was founded as a non-conformist religious movement by George II.
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The War of the Austrian Succession began in 1740, initiated by Spanish pirates damaging British trade.
The War of the Austrian Succession began in 1740, initiated by Spanish pirates damaging British trade.
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During George I's reign, taxes on land were increased to promote trade.
During George I's reign, taxes on land were increased to promote trade.
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Study Notes
Hanoverian Kings of England: George I and George II
- The first Hanoverian king, George I, ascended to the throne in 1714.
- Despite being born and raised in Germany, George I became the King of England.
- He spoke limited English and had little interest in England, often residing in Hanover.
- This resulted in his ministers gaining more power as he was frequently absent and communication was challenging.
- These ministers met regularly to make policy and government decisions at a council called "the cabinet".
- The two major political parties during this period were the Whigs and the Tories.
- Robert Walpole, a prominent Whig, became the most influential figure in Parliament and is widely regarded as the first Prime Minister.
- His government, which lasted from 1721 to 1742, was one of the longest in English history.
- Walpole favored peace and stability, opposed military expenses, promoted trade, reduced land taxes, and restored trust in the established order.
- He resided at 10 Downing Street, which remains the official residence of the British Prime Minister to this day.
- Walpole's era is often considered a golden age marked by political debate amongst the intellectual elite, and satire aimed at political and societal corruption.
- During this period, coffee houses gained immense popularity, serving as hubs for social and professional networking where men engaged in discussions and read the latest periodicals and pamphlets.
- The emerging middle class enjoyed greater social mobility, and upper-class young men embarked on 'Grand Tours' of Europe, returning with works of art.
- These tours contributed to greater European influence in British society, with the Italian Palladian style becoming prominent in architecture.
- However, poverty and hunger were also prevalent, leading to crime and gin drinking.
- This social issue sparked the rise of Methodism, a non-conformist religious movement founded by John and Charles Wesley.
- Methodism emphasized respectability, moral dignity, and social work, including charity and support for the sick and the poor.
- George II succeeded his father in 1727, and his reign was defined by two major foreign wars.
- The first war, the War of the Austrian Succession (1740-1748), was triggered by Spanish pirate attacks on British trade.
- Despite Walpole's attempts at negotiations, war broke out in 1740, drawing Britain into a European conflict centered on territory disputes between Austria and Prussia.
- The war forced Walpole's resignation in 1742, but the Whigs retained power.
- While government troops were engaged in fighting on the Continent, the Jacobite uprising of 1745 occurred.
- The Jacobites, who supported the Stuart claims to the throne, had been involved in rebellions since the Glorious Revolution (1688).
- The Forty-five Rebellion began when Stuart Prince Charles Edward (also known as the Young Pretender or Bonnie Prince Charlie) raised an army in Scotland, backed by France and some Scottish clans.
- After initial successes, the Jacobite army was defeated at the Battle of Culloden Moor, near Inverness, ending their claims to the throne.
- William Pitt, a Whig, became Secretary of State (effectively Prime Minister) in 1756.
- Britain's foreign policy under Pitt prioritized mercantilist trade and aimed to maintain a favorable balance of power in Europe.
- The same year, the second major foreign war of George II's reign, the Seven Years' War (1756-1763), began.
- Widely considered the first "world war," it involved conflicts on three continents.
- The conflict had its roots in Europe, pitting England and Prussia against an alliance of France, Spain, and Russia.
- In 1758, Pitt dispatched a sizable military expedition to America to fight against the French.
- By 1760, British forces controlled Montreal and most of Canada after capturing Quebec in 1759.
- The war extended to India, where the British East India Company had established trading posts.
- British forces seized Pondicherry in 1761, and the war concluded two years later.
- By this time, George II had died and his grandson, George III, ascended to the throne at the age of 22 in 1760.
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Description
Explore the reigns of George I and George II, the first Hanoverian kings of England. Learn about their impact on English politics, the rise of the cabinet, and the significance of Robert Walpole as the first Prime Minister. This quiz delves into the political landscape shaped by the Whigs and Tories during their rule.
