Eighteenth Century England

1
Eighteenth Century England
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Historical Background English Civil War

• During the 17th century, England witnessed the
  end of the Tudor dynasty and emergence of the
  Stuart monarchy
• The English Civil War (1642-1649) will divide the
  country based on political allegiance to the
  king, Charles I, and the Parliament led by Oliver
  Cromwell
• The English Civil War culminated with the
  execution of King Charles I on charges of treason

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A Return to Monarchy

• Following the civil war, England turned into a
  Puritan-run, military dictatorship under Oliver
  Cromwell for about 13 years
• The Stuarts were restored under Charles II and
  James II, but problems between the monarchs and
  Parliament continued

4
The Glorious Revolution of 1688

• Parliament invited William III of the Netherlands
  and his wife, Mary, the daughter of English king
  James II
• William and Mary ascended to throne in a
  bloodless revolution
• Parliament gained the upper hand in the battle
  for power between the monarchy and the
  legislative branch

5
Queen Anne (r. 1702-1714)

• King William III died childless and throne passed
  to Anne (James IIs daughter)
• Devout Anglican
• Had 16 children all diedno heir to throne
• Act of Settlement will pass throne onto the House
  of Hanover (Germany) through distant relation to
  the English throne
• Will ensure Protestant rule

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Achievements of the Queen

• Act of Union (1707)created a unified Scotland
  and Englandcommon govt, but separate religion
• Overall, Queen Anne is not considered a great
  ruler of England
• Considered too slow-witted and semi-invalid

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The Hanoverian Dynasty

• Kings and queens will rule from 1714 to 1901
• The Hanoverians rule as Kings-in-Parliament
  meaning that to rule England, the king must have
  the support of the majority of Parliament
• The time of the Hanoverians is marked more by the
  work of the newly created Prime Ministers that
  serve as a vital link between the Parliament and
  monarchy

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The Age of Walpole

• Sir Robert Walpole created the position of prime
  minister
• dominated English politics from 1721 till 1742
  based on his royal support, ability to handle the
  House of Commons and control over government
  patronage
• promoted peace at home and abroad
• spread trade from North America to India
• builds the military, especially the navy making
  Britain a world power
• the results of Walpole is England becomes a
  military power with both religious and political
  liberty

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Sir Robert Walpole (16761745), far left, is
shown talking with the Speaker of the House of
Commons. Walpole, who dominated British political
life from 1721 to 1742, is considered the first
prime minister of Britain. Mansell/TimePix/Getty
Images, Inc.
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British Empire in mid-18th century
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Overseas Woes

• The British Empire suffered a major blow when it
  lost the North American colonies in the American
  War for Independence (1775-1783)
• King George III remembered as the king who lost
  America

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• American victory sparked renewed hopes of the
  Irish to break the chains of British rule
• Catholic Irish tried to revolt in 1689 with the
  ousted James II as their leader
• Newly crowned William III landed in Ireland to
  crush the uprising

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Ireland Issues

• Ireland was primarily Catholic, but under the
  control of Protestant England
• Irish Catholics were barred from govt office,
  parliament, or voting
• Not until 17781783 will Irish Catholics will be
  granted certain rights like property
• In 1800, the Act of Union will join Ireland to
  Britain as the United Kingdom
• Independence will come later in the 20th century

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Internal Strife in Scotland

• Presbyterian members of Scotland offered the
  throne to William and Mary in 1689
• Certain Catholic clans in Scotland emerged to
  defend James IIs claim to the throne
• Internal fighting and massacres between
  supporters of James II and supporters of William
  and Mary will persist from 1689 to 1746 when the
  final clans supporting the Stuarts are routed