King George and Son: Parts 1, 2, 3, and 4

Several questions will help us get to know the four King Georges
(Kings George?) who ruled Britain from 1714 to 1830.

Question 1: How did these guys come to rule England?
Answer: Parliament insisted on a Protestant heir, and after the
death of Queen Anne it turned out George of Hanover got the
job.

Question 2: What was George I like as a King of England?
Answer: Not good! He preferred Hanover and spoke little English,
making him unpopular. His scandalous treatment of his wife didn't
help his reputation in England. He had a terrible relationship
with his son and heir.

Question 3: So was George II any better?
Answer: Not really! He had a terrible relationship with his
father AND with his son. His son died before he did, so George II
left the crown to his grandson.

Question 4: What’s the real deal with George III? 
Answer: Well, he'll never be a hero to Americans, but he was the
best of the Georges. Still, many were relieved when he went
completely mad and retired from public life.

Question 5: Prince Regent? What’s that? Who is the King?
Answer: Prince George (yes, another one) ruled in behalf of his
father, George III, as Prince Regent. He lived a scandalous life
and was obese and sick by the time he finally became King George
IV. His only child preceded him in death, so the crown passed to
his brother William.

And that's the end of the Georgians!


History shows us what's possible.