George II of Great Britain

George II
King of Great Britain and Ireland
File:George II of Great Britain.jpg Portrait of George II
Reign	11 June 1727 – 25 October 1760
Coronation	11 October 1727
Predecessor	George I
Successor	George III
Born	30 October 1683 Herrenhausen Palace, Hanover, Holy Roman Empire
Died	25 October 1760 Kensington Palace, London, Great Britain
Burial	11 November 1760 Westminster Abbey
Spouse	Caroline of Ansbach
Issue	Frederick, Prince of Wales, William Augustus, Duke of Cumberland, Anne, Princess Royal and Princess of Orange, Amelia, Caroline, Mary, Louisa, Queen of Denmark
House	House of Hanover
Father	George I
Mother	Sophia Dorothea of Celle

George II (George Augustus; 30 October 1683 – 25 October 1760) was King of Great Britain and Ireland, Duke of Brunswick-Lüneburg (Hanover) and a prince-elector of the Holy Roman Empire from 11 June 1727 until his death in 1760. He was the last British monarch born outside Great Britain.

Early Life

George was born in Hanover, the son of George I and Sophia Dorothea of Celle. His early life was spent in Hanover, where he was educated by private tutors. In 1705, he married Caroline of Ansbach, a marriage that was both politically advantageous and personally happy.

Reign

George II ascended to the throne following the death of his father, George I, in 1727. His reign was marked by a number of military conflicts, including the War of the Austrian Succession and the Seven Years' War.

Domestic Affairs

George II's reign saw the development of the modern system of cabinet government in Britain. He had a contentious relationship with his son, Frederick, Prince of Wales, which was a source of public and political tension.

Foreign Policy

George II was involved in several European conflicts, most notably the War of the Austrian Succession (1740–1748) and the Seven Years' War (1756–1763). His military interests were largely focused on protecting his German territories.

Personal Life

George II was known for his temper and his interest in military affairs. He was also a patron of music and the arts, famously supporting the composer George Frideric Handel.

Death and Legacy

George II died on 25 October 1760 at Kensington Palace. He was succeeded by his grandson, George III. His reign is often remembered for the expansion of British influence overseas and the strengthening of the constitutional monarchy.

See Also

• House of Hanover
• List of British monarchs
• History of the United Kingdom

References

• Black, Jeremy. George II: Puppet of the Politicians?
• Browning, Reed. The War of the Austrian Succession