GEORGE III

(1738-1820); king of Great Britain and Ireland; suce. 1760; m. Sophia Charlotte of Meck len burg Strelitz, 1761. His acce ion interrupted continuity of politics of time. His chief adviser was Earl of Bute, who was inexperienced in politics. From first G. resolved to destroy Whig oligarchy. By bribery and corruption he constructed a party for himself, ‘King’s Friends.’ Pitt resigned (1761). Bute’s unpopular ministry (1762-63) was followed by famous for Wilkes’s prosecution and Stamp Act. Official Whigs succeeded under Rocking ham and repealed Stamp Act, but were overthrown (1766) by ‘King’s Friends.’ Pitt-Grafton ministry followed, but Pitt’s ill-health prevented achievement of his cherished schemes, and Grafton controlled Cabinet. Struggle with America was renewed. From 1770-82 North was First Lord of Treasury, and during this time G. ruled according to his own ideas. He persisted obstinately in Amer. War of Independence (1775-82), despite great difficulties. Second Rocking ham administration (1782) conceded legislative independence to Ireland. Shelburne signed Peace of Versailles (1783), but his ministry soon fell before hostility of opposition. Fox formed a coalition with North, and forced on king a ministry nominally headed by Portland (1783). G.,.however, unconstitutionally secured. tejection of Fox’s India Bill; coalition resigned, and Pitt became Prime Minister. In Nov. 1788 the king went mad. After his recovery, he united closely with Pitt. Both struggled against Fr. Revolution. France declared war (1793), which lasted with two short breaks till 1815. G. again became insane, 1801, after Pitt’s resignation. Adding ton ministry succeeded (1801-4). Pitt died, 1806, and ‘Ministry of all the Talents’. (1806-7) resigned on the Catholic question. Tories were In power from | 1807-30. Failure 2 of his s armies s and death by|of Prince Amelia, Nov. 1810, caused G.’s madne to return permanently. | Regency Bill 811) made Prince of Wales practically king. G. died Jan, 29, | 1820, blind, deaf, mad, having outlived | his triumphs.