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In defence of George III: The greatest King to ascend the British throne - denied his legacy by American revision and pop culture.
Thought I'd make this thread after seeing many claims on the "tyranny" of George III from some viral tweets. Today also happens to be his birthday!
Thought I'd make this thread after seeing many claims on the "tyranny" of George III from some viral tweets. Today also happens to be his birthday!
George III was born on 4th June, 1738 in London (making him the first Hanover King to be born in Britain).
He wasn't initially intended to ascend the throne - at least not as early as he did. George III's father was Frederick, Prince of Wales; the eldest son of George II.
He wasn't initially intended to ascend the throne - at least not as early as he did. George III's father was Frederick, Prince of Wales; the eldest son of George II.
Frederick died early and George III ascended the throne upon the death of George II.
This was monumental for the monarchy, as George III was the first wholly "British" Hanover King. He proclaimed in 1760: "Born and educated in this country, I glory in the name of Britain"
This was monumental for the monarchy, as George III was the first wholly "British" Hanover King. He proclaimed in 1760: "Born and educated in this country, I glory in the name of Britain"
Furthermore, the 2 previous Hanoverian Kings were generally mixed in popularity (I admit even as someone who would've backed them)
Although many current traditions are owed to the early Hanovers, they simply didn't fully accept being British (although George II made progress).
Although many current traditions are owed to the early Hanovers, they simply didn't fully accept being British (although George II made progress).
George III was passionate in educating himself on many topics, including constitutional law.
He ascended the throne at a time of political instability (the Seven Years War had just ended) and the Royal Estates were surrounded by debt, resulting in him negotiating the civil list.
He ascended the throne at a time of political instability (the Seven Years War had just ended) and the Royal Estates were surrounded by debt, resulting in him negotiating the civil list.
George III was more charitable and communitarian than his predecessors, and donated half of his personal income to charities and the Royal Academy of Arts. He also had a deep interest in Agricultural development, earning his nickname as "Farmer George".
Onto what he is most remembered for (unfortunately) - the American Revolt. Starting with the Royal Proclamation of 1763, most American colonial farmers had no issue with a proclamation line, however a minority of richer land speculators and others became more vocal in opposition.
George III's personal feelings towards the proclamation were undoubtedly supportive, he held the American Indians in high regard and believed that they were to be peacefully negotiated with in time, and to also later allow the gradual westward settlement of British colonists.
During George Grenville's (Whig) time as PM, the "no taxation without representation" issue was born. The King held contempt for Grenville, moreso out of the PM's attempts to reduce his influence.
The King eventually dismissed Grenville in favour of William Pitt the Elder.
The King eventually dismissed Grenville in favour of William Pitt the Elder.
The colonists praised the actions taken by the King, and soon erected statues of him and the PM in NYC.
The last pre-revolt law the King would personally make was a law barring other Royals from marrying without the King's consent - rightly so given the actions of other Hanovers
The last pre-revolt law the King would personally make was a law barring other Royals from marrying without the King's consent - rightly so given the actions of other Hanovers
Later, the Lord North (Tory) gov't soon found themselves embroiled in another colonial protest - the Boston Tea Party. This was universally seen as a crime in Britain's Parliament and power was tightened on the colonies and their assemblies.
During the Declaration of Independence, the founding fathers and other rebels blamed the King for their own lack of autonomy. This was undoubtedly a smart tactic, as more would see the situation as a "big and powerful tyrant vs small oppressed colonies" conflict as many do today.
With the majority of Britain initially in favour of war, the conflict persisted for years. Decisive victories against the Continental army were achieved until the early 1780s when the tide changed as Britain's economy was being drained and Lord Cornwallis surrendered at Yorktown.
In the 1800s the King's mental health slowly began to deteriorate, but despite this - his loyalty remained. During the Napoleonic Wars, the threat of a full scale French invasion of Britain was increasing. The King was ready to personally fight in defence of the British Ises.
Even when the threat of a French invasion was crushed at Trafalgar by Lord Nelson, George III was appalled by his death in the battle. He was supposedly in tears when he said: "We have lost more than we have gained".
The rest of the King's life is tragic. His collapse into insanity resulted in the Regency Act of 1811, where the Prince of Wales (later George IV) became the Regent, and performed George III's duties while the King remained in seclusion at Windsor Castle for the rest of his life.
