George I (1714-1727)

George was born in Hanover, Germany, in 1660. He was son of the Duke of Brunswick-Lüneburg and Sophia, who was the heiress of the English throne.

After his mother died, he became king of Great Britain in 1714, because he was the closest Protestant relative.

During his reign, he had two rebellions against him, in 1715 and 1719, but he was able to end up with those rebellions.

George was active in English foreign policy, and his shrewd diplomatic judgment helped to establish an anti-Spanish alliance with France.

Unfortunately his reign suffered an economic crisis, so his “prime minister”, Robert Walepole, was able to administrate. As the king and his ministers were unpopular, George became less involved in government, and also because of his inability to speak English, made him less interested in Great Britain.

He died in 1727, when he was visiting Hanover, and his son George II succeed to the throne.