Charles II, James II , William III and Anne

Cromwell's failure to put in place a workable alternative to the monarchy, resulted in the country bringing back from exile the monarchy in the form of Charles II, son of the beheaded Charles I. Charles' lasting place in posterity is due to his penchant (love) for mistresses (women) and the resultant illegitimate children, many of whom received dukedoms which survive to this day

Soon after Charles succession Britain had two major catastrophes - the Plague in 1665. 70,000 died in London alone and the Great Fire of London the following year.

However it was the succession that concerned (showed interest to) the country. Charles produced no legitimate heirs, and it was his Catholic brother James II who succeeded him in 1685. Britain had briefly been republic, but it was now back to Protestant and Catholic kings

James II reign proved disastrous, he antagonized the government by suspending (canceling) the anti Catholic laws, then arresting 6 bishops, finally James’s second wife produced a male heir, (James the old pretender). Leading politicians turned to James II Protestant daughter Mary and her husband William of Orange and offered them the throne. William landed with an army . James fled to Ireland, where he was eventually defeated in battle by William. James II son, the old pretender and grandson, the young pretender, both tried to re-take the throne but failed

Anne, Younger Protestant daughter of James II succeeded to the throne in 1702.

Her reign is noted for the rise of the Churchill's. Anne’s childhood friend Sarah, married John Churchill. Churchill was a brilliant general, who finally succeeded in defeating the French after marching his army 600 miles across Europe. The battle of Blenheim 1704 saw the end of French dominance in Europe. Churchill was rewarded with the title Duke of Marlborough, and Blenheim Palace was paid for by the nation. Sarah Churchill and Anne quarreled a few years later and their influence on state affairs declined

The House of Hanover ruled Britain

1714 - 1815

There were a lot of better qualified people available to be king of England - unfortunately most of them were Catholic. George I was a German who did not speak a word of English, but was Protestant. So started the rule of the House of Hanover, under whom Britain achieved wealth and peace over the next century

George was immediately challenged by James II's son, James the Old Pretender, landing in Scotland in an abortive (unsuccessful) attempt to seize the throne. James soon fled back into exile in France With foreign kings parliament became more powerful, and the leading politician was Walpole who was prime minister until 1742. He avoided the expense of war, and Britain prospered

In 1745 the exiled Stuarts led by James II's grandson, Bonnie Prince Charlie. His Highland army got as far south as Derby, but a poor supply line and English reinforcements (fortresses) forced them to retreat (go back). A retreat that ended with the final defeat at Culloden

The coming of George III to the throne in 1760, brought the first British born king for 50 years. And a king who was to reign for the next 50 years. They were exciting times, marred (омрачать) only by the loss of the American Colonies.

A canal network was built. Captain Cook explored the Pacific. Robert Adams was the architect to commission, John Wilkes won liberties for the people, Josiah Wedgwood made china, Gainsborough and Stubbs painted, Capability Brown designed gardens

Britain won new territories in Canada and India, but lost the oldest settlement of all, with the declaration of independence by the American colonies in 1776 and the final surrender at Yorktown in 1781

The loss of the American colonies brought about changes in Britain with the appointment of Pitt the Younger as prime minister, whose legislative programme was to bring about the end of royal power. At home the industrial revolution was in full swing. Coal fires lit the night sky as they powered steam engines in factories. But in Europe, French power was manifesting itself following the French revolution in 1789. Nelson's victory at Trafalgar ensured Britain ruled the seas, but French troops controlled Europe. A major war loomed (was getting close)

Date: 2016-01-14; view: 663