George II of Great Britain

George II (George Augustus) (10 November 1683–25 October 1760) was King of Great Britain and Ireland, Duke of Brunswick-Lüneburg (Hanover) and Archtreasurer and Prince-Elector of the Holy Roman Empire from 11 June 1727 until his death. He was the second British monarch of the House of Hanover, and the last British monarch to personally lead his troops into battle.

Later years

For the remainder of his life, George did not take any active interest in politics or war. During his last years, the foundation of the Industrial Revolution was laid as the population rose rapidly. British dominance in India increased with the victories of Robert Clive at the Battle of Arcot and the Battle of Plassey.

Related Topics:
Industrial Revolution - India - Robert Clive - Battle of Arcot - Battle of Plassey

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In 1752, Great Britain reformed its calendar. It had previously operated under the Julian Calendar, but during 1752 adopted the Gregorian Calendar. The calendar change required omitting eleven days; 2 September was followed by 14 September. Furthermore, 1 January became the official beginning of the New Year, instead of 25 March. The former date had been commonly regarded as the beginning of the New Year for a long time, but the latter was retained in formal usage. To ensure consistency of financial record keeping, and to prevent annual payments falling due before they would have under the Julian Calendar, the fiscal year was not shortened, with the result that in the United Kingdom each tax year has since begun on April 6.

Related Topics:
1752 - Calendar - Julian Calendar - Gregorian Calendar - 2 September - 14 September - 1 January - 25 March - April 6

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George's Prime Minister, Henry Pelham died in 1754, to be succeeded by his brother, Thomas Pelham-Holles, 1st Duke of Newcastle, and thereafter by William Cavendish, 4th Duke of Devonshire in 1756. Another notable minister was William Pitt the Elder. Pitt was appointed a Secretary of State in the administration of the Duke of Devonshire, but was disliked by the King, for he had previously opposed involvement in the War of the Austrian Succession. The hostility was marked by George's criticism of Pitt's speeches in early 1757. In April of the same year, George II dismissed Pitt, but later recalled him. At the same time, the Duke of Newcastle returned as Prime Minister.

Related Topics:
1754 - Thomas Pelham-Holles, 1st Duke of Newcastle - William Cavendish, 4th Duke of Devonshire - 1756 - William Pitt the Elder - 1757

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As Secretary of State for the Southern Department, William Pitt the Elder guided policy relating to the Seven Years' War (which may be viewed as a continuation of the War of the Austrian Succession). Maria Theresa, Archduchess of Austria, made an alliance with her nation's former enemies, Russia and France, and became the enemy of Great Britain and Hanover. George II feared that this new alliance would invade Hanover; thus, he aligned himself with Prussia. Great Britain, Hanover and Prussia were thus pitted against many major European powers, including Austria, Russia, France, Sweden and Saxony. The war spread from Europe to North America (where the conflict was known as the French and Indian War) and to India (where it was termed the Second Carnatic War).

Related Topics:
Secretary of State for the Southern Department - Seven Years' War - Russia - Sweden - Saxony - French and Indian War - India - Second Carnatic War

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George II died on 25 October 1760 from an aortic dissection whilst using his toilet. He was subsequently buried in Westminster Abbey. He was succeeded by his grandson, who became George III..

Related Topics:
25 October - Toilet - Westminster Abbey - George III

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