'Early Hanoverians' Summary

'Early Hanoverians' provides a concise yet compelling examination of the reigns of George I and George II. The book opens with the accession of George I and the immediate threat posed by the Jacobite uprising of 1715. Morris details the political maneuvering and social upheaval that followed, highlighting the role of Robert Walpole in stabilizing the country's finances and establishing the first British prime ministerial system. The reign of George II is equally eventful, encompassing the War of Jenkins' Ear, the Jacobite rebellion of 1745, and the War of the Austrian Succession. Morris also explores the cultural and religious developments of the era, including the rise of Methodism, the literary prominence of figures like Samuel Johnson and Henry Fielding, and the changing social landscape. The book provides insights into the challenges of succession, the complexities of foreign relations, and the evolution of British politics and society during this period of significant change.