The making of Georgian Britain 1678–c.1760

This topic explores the transformation of Britain from the late Stuart period to the early Hanoverian era, focusing on the political, economic, and social changes that shaped the modern British state. Key themes include the Glorious Revolution of 1688, the establishment of constitutional monarchy, the growth of parliamentary power, and the emergence of Britain as a major European and imperial power. Students will examine the reigns of William III, Anne, and the first two Georges, analysing how conflicts such as the Nine Years' War and the War of the Spanish Succession influenced domestic politics and fiscal-military state development.

Understanding this period is crucial because it laid the foundations for Britain's global dominance in the 18th and 19th centuries. The financial revolution, including the creation of the Bank of England and the national debt, enabled Britain to project military power overseas. Meanwhile, the Act of Union 1707 unified England and Scotland, creating a single British state. Socially, the period saw the rise of a consumer society, the expansion of the press, and the beginnings of industrialisation. By studying this era, students gain insight into how Britain evolved from a fragile post-civil war kingdom into a stable, prosperous, and influential nation.

Within the OCR A-Level specification, this topic is part of the 'British Period Study' and 'Enquiry Topic' components. It requires students to engage with primary sources, historiographical debates, and key interpretations. Mastery of this period enables students to understand later developments such as the American Revolution, the Industrial Revolution, and the growth of the British Empire. The focus on 'the making of Georgian Britain' emphasises the deliberate construction of a new political and social order, making it a rich area for analysis and argument.