The crisis of George II's rule

George II became increasingly rude to his ministers. Those ministers who were often treated coldly by the king formed a "steak club" on their own. After hearing the news, George II was even more furious and said: "I really hate these idiots! I sincerely hope that the devil will take away all the bishops, as well as you ministers, your parliament, and your little island. . As long as I can get out of here, I will go to my hometown of Hanover."

George II's mood became worse and worse. He often drank to relieve his sorrow and became extremely drunk. The same jokes that had made George I so absurd were now added to George II. The joke is this: Once, when George was traveling abroad, a lame old horse ran away on the streets of London, carrying a sign on his back: "Don't stop me - I am driving from Hanover, the king's hometown." Horse, go and fetch His Majesty and his wife to England."

When the government tried to reduce gin consumption, angry crowds swarmed the royal chariot and shouted: "No wine. ! No King!" For George II, a more serious blow was yet to come. Queen Caroline died in November 1737 after being bedridden for a long time. George II was so distraught that he cried like a child regardless of the dignity of the king. He refused to let Caroline's body be removed, and lay with her in his arms all day long, saying incoherently: "Caroline, my dear, it's time for you to get up and have something to eat..." Although George II had many mistresses , but he said: "I have never seen anyone worthy of tying her shoelaces."

The death of Queen Caroline has serious political implications. This woman had great power over the king. , George II listened to her on major issues. Walpole was just a puppet prime minister. In fact, he was just Caroline's mouthpiece and tool. Now that the queen is dead, which statesman will benefit from this new situation? The Duke of Newcastle believes that the princess will have the greatest influence on George II in the future. Prime Minister Walpole had to please the princess if he wanted his work to go smoothly. Because Prime Minister Walpole was good at flattering the king and had the secret support of the king's beloved princess, his power became more and more powerful. Ministers privately called him the "deputy king". But the good times didn't last long. The Prime Minister advocated low taxes and peace to keep the gentry in peace, but George II wanted to fight. He wanted to relive the victorious battles he fought in his youth. Just for this reason, he launched a war regardless of the lives of the people.