George III (1738-1820) of Britain was king during one of the most critical periods in the country’s history. He succeeded his grandfather George II in 1760. During the following 60 years, several revolutions modified every aspect of British life. The French Revolution led to a war between Britain and France that threatened Britain’s existence. The American Revolution cost Britain the American Colonies that became the United States. The Industrial Revolution created a new society and more than doubled the British population. Britain also acquired new territories in southern Africa, southern Asia, and Australia during the reign of George III. The Act of Union, which became effective in 1801, brought Ireland into the kingdom. The kingdom then became the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland.
George III took a far greater part in governing the country than did George II. He tried to destroy the power of the Whig aristocrats, who had held control for many years under Sir Robert Walpole, Henry Pelham, and the Duke of Newcastle. George chose his ministers, especially Lord North and William Pitt the Younger, with this in mind (see North, Lord ).
George was born in London on June 4, 1738. He probably suffered from a disease now known as porphyria. The sickness struck at various times and made him appear to be mentally ill. By 1810, he had become incapable of logical acts and was thought to be insane. He died on Jan. 29, 1820.
