Anne's Reign and the Birth of Great Britain

Queen Anne's reign saw significant developments in British history. The Act of Union in 1707 established the United Kingdom of Great Britain, uniting England and Scotland under a single Parliament.

Quote: "The Act of Union established the union between England and Scotland and the birth of the United Kingdom of Great Britain, with a single Parliament."

The Treaty of Utrecht in 1713 marked important diplomatic achievements:

1. France recognized the Protestant succession in Britain.
2. France ceded its possessions in Canada to England.

This period marked the beginning of the British Empire, with twelve colonies established in North America.

The Early Hanoverians

The Hanoverian dynasty began with George I, who became king at the age of fifty-four. His reliance on a cabinet of top ministers led to the emergence of the role of Prime Minister, with Sir Robert Walpole becoming the first to hold this position.

Vocabulary: Cabinet - A council of top ministers advising the monarch and effectively running the government.

This era is often referred to as a golden age, characterized by:

1. The spread of coffee houses, which became centers for social and professional networking and intellectual discussion.
2. The founding of Methodism, a new religious movement aimed at improving the lives of the poor.

Example: Coffee houses in this period served as precursors to modern think tanks and networking spaces, fostering the exchange of ideas and social connections.

George II and the Seven Years' War

George II's reign saw significant political and military developments:

1. The resignation of Walpole due to war with Spain over ocean trade disputes.
2. William Pitt becoming Prime Minister in 1756.
3. The outbreak of the Seven Years' War in 1756, considered by some as the first "world war" due to its global scope.

Highlight: The Seven Years' War was fought across three continents: Europe, America, and Asia, showcasing the expanding reach of European powers.

The period ended with the death of George II in 1760 and the succession of George III, marking the continuation of the Hanoverian dynasty and setting the stage for further developments in British history.

The Hanoverian Era

The House of Hanover began with George I's accession, introducing significant governmental changes. Sir Robert Walpole emerged as Britain's first Prime Minister, implementing peace-focused policies.

Quote: "Coffee houses spread throughout the country" - marking this period as a golden age of intellectual discourse.

Highlight: Methodism emerged as a new religious movement focused on improving conditions for the poor.

The Seven Years' War (1756-1763) under George II became the first global conflict, fought across Europe, America, and Asia. The period concluded with George III's succession in 1760, marking the continuation of the Hanoverian dynasty.