The Challenges to Hanoverian Rule

Britain – Politics, 1714-80

In this course, Professor Jeremy Black (University of Exeter) discusses British politics from 1714-80. We start by looking at the challenges the new Hanoverian monarchy faced in this period, mainly from the rival Jacobite claimants. We then turn to look at the development of politics on the national scale under the first two Hanoverian monarchs - George I and II. After this, we have a look at the changes that occurred in British politics in the middle of the 18th century with the arrival of William Pitt the Elder on the political scene. We then turn to see how the system was further altered by the young and energetic George III. After this, we explore how the political system developed and changed as a result of the Imperial Crisis and Revolutionary War in North America. To conclude we look at how by the end of the period the Hanoverian monarchy had established itself in Britain as the leading symbol for patriotism and loyalism.

The Challenges to Hanoverian Rule

In this module, we look at the challenges the new Hanoverian monarchy faced in this period, mainly from the rival Jacobite claimants. In the first half of 18th century, the political system was challenged successive by the Jacobites (often with the support of the French). Despite this challenge, the system remained resilient and was able to beat back the most dangerous challenge from Bonnie Prince Charlie in 1745.