King George III

King George III

England has never produced a ruler quite like King George III. Often called the mad king. George III is one of the most interesting figures in history. One of the most active rulers in his time, George III, despite his disabilities, has seen England and America through the French Indian war, and the American Revolution.
Unlike his grandfather George II, George III actively participated in the running of Great Britain. Government was one of his great passions in life. He owed much of his involvement in politics to his mother, Princess Augusta of Saxe-Gotha, who raised him to be an active king, a ruling power, rather than a head figure. ³Be a King, George!² his mother said. Never having a chance to be a queen herself, Princess Augusta, tried to rule through her young son. Her husband, Frederick, died while still holding the position of, Prince of Whales.
Princess Augusta tried to rule through her son, after all, when he became king, in 1760, he was only 22. She saw the power of government slip into the hands of Parliament, during the reign of George I, and George II. This was in part a result of lack of communication. George I spoke French and made little effort to learn the English language, and his son George II made no effort at all to learn English. They were both content to leave the workings of government to their ministers, while they remained king in name only.
But now came this young George III, setting out ³to eradicate the deep s...

King George III

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