▪ Jacobite Rebellions (1715 and 1745)
▪ Robert Walpole and Whig Oligarchy
▪ American War of Independence (1776)
II. The Hanoverian Era (1714-1790)
The Hanoverian Era began when the British throne passed to the German House of Hanover after the death of Queen Anne. This period saw significant political, social, and military changes in Britain, shaping its role as a global power. It includes the Jacobite rebellions, the dominance of Robert Walpole and the Whig Party, and Britain’s loss in the American War of Independence.
Jacobite Rebellions (1715 and 1745)
The Jacobite Rebellions were attempts by supporters of the exiled Stuart family to restore them to the British throne. The Stuarts had been displaced after the Glorious Revolution and replaced by the Hanoverians.
The 1715 Rebellion
Background: After George I from the House of Hanover became king in 1714, supporters of the Stuart line (Jacobites) launched a rebellion to restore James Edward Stuart, also known as the “Old Pretender,” to the throne.
Outcome: The rebellion was poorly organized and quickly defeated by the Hanoverian forces. James Stuart fled to France, and George I’s position as king was secured.
The 1745 Rebellion (Second Jacobite Rising)
Background: The Jacobites, now led by Charles Edward Stuart, also known as “Bonnie Prince Charlie” or the “Young Pretender,” made another attempt to regain the throne in 1745.
Outcome: Although the Jacobites initially gained support in Scotland and won several battles, they were decisively defeated at the Battle of Culloden in 1746. This marked the end of the Jacobite cause, and Charles Stuart went into exile.
Robert Walpole and Whig Oligarchy
During the early Hanoverian period, Britain saw the rise of the Whig Party, and Robert Walpole became the first de facto Prime Minister. His long tenure in office marked the beginning of parliamentary government in Britain.
Robert Walpole’s Leadership (1721-1742)
First Prime Minister: Walpole is considered Britain’s first Prime Minister. He dominated British politics for over two decades, managing both domestic affairs and foreign policy.
Whig Oligarchy: Under Walpole’s leadership, the Whigs became the dominant political party. The Whigs represented the interests of the wealthy elite, and their control over Parliament allowed them to shape policies that favored trade, business, and the wealthy landowners.
Stable Governance: Walpole avoided involvement in costly European wars, which helped the British economy grow. His period in office saw stability in government, even though some accused him of corruption and ignoring the needs of the common people.
American War of Independence (1776)
One of the most significant events of the Hanoverian Era was the American War of Independence, which resulted in Britain losing its thirteen colonies in North America.
Causes of the War
Taxation Without Representation: After the costly Seven Years’ War (1756-1763), Britain imposed new taxes on its American colonies, such as the Stamp Act and the Tea Act, to raise revenue. However, the colonists argued they should not be taxed without having representatives in the British Parliament.
Growing Tensions: British efforts to tighten control over the colonies led to widespread resentment. Protests, such as the Boston Tea Party (1773), and the British response fueled revolutionary sentiments in the colonies.
Outbreak of the War (1775-1783)
The war officially began in 1775, and in 1776, the American colonies declared their independence through the Declaration of Independence. Led by George Washington, the American forces, with help from France and other European powers, managed to defeat the British.
Outcome
The war ended with the Treaty of Paris (1783), in which Britain recognized the independence of the United States. The loss of the American colonies was a significant blow to the British Empire, but it also marked the beginning of Britain’s focus on expanding its influence elsewhere, particularly in India and other parts of the world.
Conclusion
The Hanoverian Era (1714-1790) was a transformative period in British history, marked by political stability at home under the Whig Party and Robert Walpole’s leadership, as well as challenges abroad, such as the Jacobite Rebellions and the loss of the American colonies. These events shaped the future of the British Empire and the development of democratic governance.
