Podcast Summary: In Our Time – The Hanoverian Succession

Introduction

In the December 26, 2024 episode of In Our Time, hosted by Melvyn Bragg and featuring expert guests Andreas Gestrich, Elaine Challis, and Mark Knights, the intricate and pivotal period of the Hanoverian Succession in early 18th-century Britain is thoroughly examined. This episode delves into the political maneuvers, familial dynamics, and societal impacts that shaped the transition from the Stuart to the Hanoverian dynasty, ensuring a Protestant lineage and stabilizing the British monarchy.

1. Historical Context and the Act of Settlement (00:00 – 04:19)

Melvyn Bragg opens the discussion by setting the stage at the turn of the 18th century, highlighting the necessity of the Act of Settlement of 1701. Queen Anne, devoid of surviving children, faced a potential dynastic crisis with over fifty Catholic candidates preceding Protestants in the line of succession. To avert this, the Act prioritized Protestant heirs, ultimately designating Sophia, Electress of Hanover, as the next in line.

Mark Knights explains:

“The Act of Settlement was needed to secure the Protestant succession... England's arch enemy, France, had recognised James II's son, James Francis Edward, as the legitimate heir.”
(02:36)

2. Emergence of Whigs and Tories (04:19 – 07:30)

The episode explores the nascent party politics of the era, introducing the Whigs and Tories. Mark Knights delineates the Whigs as advocates for Protestant tolerance and imperial expansion, naturally aligning them with the Hanoverian cause. In contrast, the Tories, loyal to the Church of England, harbored reservations about appointing a foreign, Germanic monarch.

Mark Knights comments:

“The Whigs were the natural supporters of the Hanoverian succession, because they saw in Hanover the Protestant champion they had been looking for.”
(04:26)

3. Selection and Popularization of Sophia of Hanover (07:30 – 12:59)

Elaine Challis details how Sophia’s placement in the succession was not merely legal but also a strategic popularization effort. Sophia, a granddaughter of the Stuart line, was promoted through media, printed images, and public discourse to solidify her legitimacy and public acceptance.

She observes:

“Once they settled on that she’s going to be the person who’s going to inherit the throne, that she is directly the heir... newspapers are talking, there’s lots of information coming out.”
(07:12)

4. Political Turbulence from the Act to Queen Anne's Death (13:05 – 19:34)

The years between the Act of Settlement and Queen Anne's death were marked by intense political activity. Mark Knights describes this as the “rage of party,” characterized by frequent elections, robust debates fueled by relaxed censorship, and significant issues like the War of the Spanish Succession and religious dissent.

Key Points:

• War Financing: The creation of the Bank of England in 1694 facilitated financing for extensive wars against France and others.
• Religious Divisions: The Toleration Act of 1689 allowed Protestant dissenters some freedoms, which remained a contentious issue.
• Jacobite Threats: Continuous support from France for James Francis Edward raised fears of a Catholic resurgence.

Mark Knights notes:

“War was an extremely controversial point, but so too was religion. Religion was an extremely strong dividing line in this period.”
(15:00)

5. Sophia’s Role and Leibniz’s Influence (19:34 – 27:14)

Andreas Gestrich introduces the philosophical and genealogical contributions of Leibniz, who was instrumental in cementing Sophia’s claim through historical ties and theological support. Leibniz's meticulous research linked the Hanoverians to the Stuart lineage, enhancing their legitimacy.

Andreas Gestrich explains:

“Leibniz was basically the court historiographer of the Hanoverians... he did genealogical research to show that the contacts between the Guelph family and the British royal families were much closer.”
(11:07)

6. Coronation of George I and Public Unrest (27:14 – 36:53)

The ascension of George I in 1714 was met with both celebration and significant unrest. Mark Knights recounts the riots during George’s coronation, driven by anti-Hanoverian sentiment and the desire to protect the Church of England against perceived threats from dissenters.

Mark Knights states:

“The rioters were essentially protesting against the coronation... they attacked over 40 dissenting meeting houses.”
(24:09)

The subsequent Jacobite Rebellion of 1715 further exemplified the instability, with uprisings in Scotland that were ultimately quashed due to lack of support and military loyalty to the Hanoverians.

7. Governance Challenges Under George I (36:53 – 43:32)

The personal union of Britain and Hanover posed significant governance challenges. Andreas Gestrich highlights George I’s efforts to maintain separation between the two realms, navigating political limitations imposed by the Act of Settlement and managing dual responsibilities without overstepping constitutional boundaries.

Andreas Gestrich remarks:

“He set up German Chancery in St. James's palace... the whole power sharing rested on a very efficient postal system.”
(19:34)

8. Economic Impacts and the South Sea Bubble (43:32 – 32:46)

The Hanoverian Succession had profound economic repercussions. Mark Knights discusses the rise and fall of the South Sea Company, which played a central role in financing wars and later succumbed to the infamous South Sea Bubble in 1720, leading to Britain’s first major stock market crash.

Mark Knights notes:

“One of the clauses of the peace treaty... was given to a company called the South Sea Company, which became initially quite a successful venture but then collapsed in 1720.”
(30:52)

The economic strain also exacerbated tensions in Scotland, where increased taxation post-Union fueled resentment and contributed to the Jacobite unrest.

9. Rise of Robert Walpole and Political Stabilization (32:46 – 39:12)

Elaine Challis introduces Robert Walpole, Britain's first de facto Prime Minister, who played a crucial role in stabilizing the political landscape. Walpole’s adept manipulation of party politics, his reconciliation efforts between King George I and the Prince of Wales, and his handling of the South Sea Bubble crisis were pivotal in consolidating Whig dominance and ensuring a relatively peaceful monarchy.

Elaine Challis explains:

“Walpole is really interested in calming things down, pacifying things... he brings the country forward in a much more peaceful way.”
(32:57)

10. Cultural and Social Flourishing (39:12 – 44:00)

The Hanoverian period was also a time of significant cultural growth. Elaine Challis highlights the patronage of the arts by figures like Queen Caroline, the introduction of Italian opera, and advancements in garden design. These cultural endeavors not only enhanced British society but also reinforced the Hanoverian legacy.

Elaine Challis states:

“Caroline gathers people together who are artists, she gathers people together who are writers. This is a period of real ferment and real growth in terms of the arts and literature.”
(36:53)

11. Public Perception and Xenophobia (44:00 – 56:26)

Despite political and cultural advancements, the Hanoverian rulers faced significant public ridicule and xenophobia. Andreas Gestrich and Elaine Challis discuss how George I and his German entourage were often caricatured as uncivilized foreigners, facing criticism over their cultural differences and personal relationships within the court.

Elaine Challis comments:

“The English don’t know what to do with these two [George’s mistresses]... the idea that he’s a brute, he’s not very civilized.”
(43:32)

Additionally, Mark Knights touches upon how foreign threats, such as the French Revolution, eventually redirected public sentiment to support the monarchy, enhancing its centrality in British identity.

12. Conclusion and Legacy

The episode concludes by reflecting on the enduring legacy of the Hanoverian Succession. The establishment of a Protestant dynasty under George I laid the groundwork for modern British constitutional monarchy, political party structures, and cultural institutions. Despite early challenges, including riots and economic crises, the succession ultimately succeeded in stabilizing the British throne and shaping the nation's future.

Notable Quotes

• Mark Knights (04:26): “The Whigs were the natural supporters of the Hanoverian succession, because they saw in Hanover the Protestant champion that they had been looking for.”

• Elaine Challis (07:12): “Once they settled on that she’s going to be the person who’s going to inherit the throne, that she is directly the heir... newspapers are talking, there’s lots of information coming out.”

• Andreas Gestrich (11:07): “Leibniz was basically the court historiographer of the Hanoverians... he did genealogical research to show that the contacts between the Guelph family and the British royal families were much closer.”

• Elaine Challis (32:57): “Walpole is really interested in calming things down, pacifying things... he brings the country forward in a much more peaceful way.”

Final Thoughts

This episode of In Our Time offers a comprehensive exploration of the Hanoverian Succession, illuminating the complex interplay of politics, family, and society that defined early 18th-century Britain. Through expert insights and detailed analysis, Bragg and his guests provide listeners with a nuanced understanding of how this crucial succession not only secured a Protestant monarchy but also set the stage for Britain’s future as a major European power.