The making of Georgian Britain 1678–c.1760 — OCR A-Level History

The making of Georgian Britain 1678–c.1760 covers the transformation of Britain from the Restoration era through the Glorious Revolution, the establishment of constitutional monarchy, the rise of political parties, and the development of a fiscal-military state. This period saw the Act of Union with Scotland (1707), the Hanoverian succession, and the growth of empire, shaping modern British politics and society.

This period of British history, from the death of Charles II to the accession of George III, is often called the 'long eighteenth century' and is crucial for understanding the foundations of modern Britain. It begins with the Restoration of the monarchy in 1660 and the subsequent political and religious tensions that culminated in the Glorious Revolution of 1688. This revolution established a constitutional monarchy, with Parliament gaining supremacy over the crown, and set the stage for the development of a two-party system (Whigs and Tories) and the growth of a fiscal-military state.

The period also saw the union of England and Scotland in 1707, creating the Kingdom of Great Britain, and the Hanoverian succession in 1714, which brought a German dynasty to the throne. Under the first two Georges, Britain experienced a period of political stability dominated by the Whig oligarchy, particularly under Robert Walpole, often considered the first Prime Minister. This stability allowed for commercial expansion, the growth of the British Empire, and the development of a consumer society, as well as significant cultural and intellectual movements like the Enlightenment.

Understanding this era is essential for A-Level students because it explains the origins of many modern British institutions, including the parliamentary system, the Bank of England, and the concept of a 'balanced constitution'. It also provides a backdrop for later events such as the American Revolution and the Industrial Revolution. The period is rich with debates about power, liberty, and empire, making it a fascinating and rewarding topic for historical analysis.

• →Constitutional monarchy: The monarch's powers are limited by law and Parliament, as established by the Bill of Rights (1689).
• →Fiscal-military state: A state that can raise large sums of money through taxation and borrowing to fund its military, exemplified by the Bank of England and the National Debt.
• →Party politics: The emergence of Whigs and Tories, with differing views on monarchy, religion, and foreign policy.
• →Act of Union (1707): The political union of England and Scotland, creating Great Britain and a single Parliament at Westminster.
• →Hanoverian succession: The accession of George I in 1714, which secured a Protestant succession and led to a period of Whig dominance.

• Analysis of the Glorious Revolution (1678–1689) as an enquiry topic.
• Understanding the Revolutionary Settlement (1689–1701) and its impact.
• Evaluation of political developments under Queen Anne, George I, and George II.
• Analysis of the role of Walpole (1721–1745) and parliamentary management.
• Understanding the impact of Jacobitism (the '15 and '45).
• Evaluation of social and economic changes, including the evangelical revival, Methodism, and early industrial developments.
• Analysis of foreign policy from 1689 to 1763, including major European wars and the Seven Years War.

• 💡Ensure you can evaluate the significance of the Revolutionary Settlement (1689–1701) as a turning point.
• 💡Be prepared to compare the foreign policies of William III, Walpole, and Pitt the Elder.
• 💡Use specific examples of social unrest (e.g., Porteous Riots, Gordon Riots) to support arguments about urban development.
• 💡Practice analyzing primary sources in their historical context for the enquiry section.
• 💡Ensure arguments are supported by specific knowledge of key individuals like Walpole, Wesley, and Marlborough.
• 💡Always use specific dates, names, and terms (e.g., 1689, Bill of Rights, Whig, Tory) to show precise knowledge.
• 💡For essay questions, structure your answer with a clear line of argument, and use evidence to support each point. Avoid narrative and focus on analysis.
• 💡When evaluating interpretations, consider the context of the historian (e.g., Whig historians vs. revisionists) and the evidence they use.

• Failing to link the enquiry topic (Glorious Revolution) to the broader period study.
• Neglecting the significance of the Scottish Union (1707) in the context of the Revolutionary Settlement.
• Over-focusing on political history while ignoring social and economic developments like the evangelical revival.
• Failing to provide substantiated judgements in essay responses.
• Misunderstanding the nature of the 'Whig supremacy' and the role of patronage.
• Misconception: The Glorious Revolution was a bloodless, peaceful event. Correction: While there was no major battle in England, there were significant armed conflicts in Scotland and Ireland, and the revolution was a coup by the elite.
• Misconception: The Prime Minister role existed from the start of the period. Correction: The role evolved gradually, with Robert Walpole being the first to hold the position in the 1720s, but it was not an official title.
• Misconception: The British Empire was a unified, centrally planned project. Correction: It was a patchwork of colonies, trading companies, and territories, often driven by private enterprise and local initiatives.

1. 1Week 1: Focus on the Glorious Revolution and the constitutional settlement. Read key documents like the Bill of Rights and the Toleration Act, and make notes on the causes and consequences.
2. 2Week 2: Study the financial revolution and the rise of the fiscal-military state. Understand the role of the Bank of England and the National Debt, and how they enabled Britain's wars.
3. 3Week 3: Examine the Act of Union and the Hanoverian succession. Consider the reasons for and against union, and the impact of the 1715 and 1745 Jacobite rebellions.
4. 4Week 4: Analyse the development of party politics and the role of Robert Walpole. Practice essay writing on topics like 'Why did Walpole dominate politics?'
5. 5Week 5: Review the growth of empire and trade, including the Navigation Acts and the slave trade. Link these to the wider theme of Britain's rise as a global power.
6. 6Week 6: Consolidate with past paper questions and active recall. Create timelines and mind maps to connect events and themes.

• 📋Source-based questions: You will be given a primary source (e.g., a political cartoon or a speech) and asked to analyse its content, provenance, and tone. Practice evaluating reliability and utility.
• 📋Essay questions: Often phrased as 'How far...' or 'To what extent...' requiring a balanced argument. For example, 'How far did the Glorious Revolution change the nature of monarchy in Britain?'
• 📋Interpretation questions: You may be asked to compare two historical interpretations of an event, such as the Act of Union. Use the interpretations to support your own judgement.
• 📋Short knowledge questions: These test specific facts, such as 'What was the role of the Bank of England?' Be precise and concise.