The British monarchy is a topic of much interest for many students, scholars, and common individuals. Perhaps what makes learning about the British monarchy worthwhile is going back in time to understand what influence these individuals had and to what extent that influence spread. One monarch who had a major influence was King George III from the House of Hanover. Although it was said that he was a weak king, his decisions and influence had an effect where it extended beyond Britain. King George III and his influence on the American colonies is something so profound that it had a lasting and permanent impact. Though he is best known as the British monarch who lost the American colonies, there is much to know about his life prior to the American Revolution, during it, and after.
King George III was born in 1738 in London to Augusta of Saxe-Gotha and Frederick Prince of Wales. As the eldest son of Frederick and grandson of King George II, he inherited the throne at age twenty-three when his father passed away unexpectedly. As a young heir, King George had many challenges prior to the American Revolution. The main challenge was that he took power right as Britain was at war with France in the Seven Years’ War. Although Britain won, this war caused much instability amongst Britain’s economy. The country took a major financial hit, and as a result, taxation began. Although the war caused the country to be in debt, it did not stop King George III from living extravagantly.
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Britain’s gain through winning the Seven Years’ War placed the country as an important power player for expansion, globalization, and nationalism. As a result, King George focused more attention to the American colonies. By this time, the American colonist had become more self-sufficient, but this did not stop him from taxing them as well for items such as tea, papers, and stamps. This enraged the colonists to the point where they boycotted King George III. One of the most popular boycotts was the Boston Tea Party incident. King George III is best known in history as the king who passed the Intolerable Acts (Adams and Adams). These included the Boston Port Act, Massachusetts Government Act, Administration of Justice Act, and Quartering Act. After the passing of heavy taxes and the Intolerable acts the American Colonies became enraged and decided to break free of King George III’s rule.
There are many other interesting facts about King George III that many individuals may not know. He was a man who was said to have had a learning disability. In addition, I was also said that he was a man who suffered from bouts of insanity. Historical records say that his decent into insanity increased after he became known as the king who lost the American colonies. King George III died years later after a long struggle with bitterness and insanity.
Overall, the rule of King George III was one of uncertainty and turmoil. His troubles started as a young monarch who inherited the fallout of the Seven Year’s War and national debt. His troubles only continued after angering the American colonists with heavy taxation and other laws such as the Intolerable Acts which restricted their personal freedoms. Some argue that perhaps the failures of King George III were not truly all his doing. After all, the king had bouts of insanity and had a learning disorder. It is said that because of these things it is possible that his failures are in part due to his advisors and other members of Parliament. In either case, King George III will always be a memorable and influential part of both British and American history.
- Adams, John and Adams, Abigail. “King George III.” American Experience PBS, 2018. Retrieved from http://www.pbs.org
