King George III reigned over Britain from 1760-1820 during a period of major social, economic, and political changes. Britain fought against France for colonial dominance and industrialized rapidly during the late 18th century through innovations like James Watt's steam engine. Growing industrialization and enclosure of agricultural lands transformed British society and led to conflict between new social classes of landowners, industrialists, and wage laborers who faced difficult working conditions. The American colonies declared independence from Britain in 1776, marking the end of Britain's global supremacy.

1. The Early Romantic Age The Historical and Social Context 1760-89

3. He promoted the agricultural Revolution and was nicknamed “Farmer George”.

5. Britain was superior in world trade

6. Britain praised its government while despising France's absolute monarchy

8. In 1773 the colonies rebelled against Britain at the Boston Tea Party.

9. They threw tea into the harbour and used the slogan “No taxation without representation”

11. On 4 July 1776 they signed the Declaration of Independence written by Thomas Jefferson

12. Britain recognised the independence in 1783 with the Treaty of Versailles.

14. Increase in population – increase in trade = new market for new goods and new labour force to produce and buy them

15. Agricultural revolution happened gradually (Enclosure Acts)

16. James Watt invented the first reliable Steam Engine in 1775.

18. It was used in the coal mines to pump water out of the mines.

19. Due to the industrial growth, the domestic transport needed to be improved. Turnpikes or toll roads and a canal system with locks were built.

21. Landlords grew extraordinarily rich thanks to the enclosure process.

22. Wealth turned England into a “consumer society”.

23. Population moved to new industrial areas, where mushroom towns were built to house workers.

24. Women and children were highly prized and exploited by employers (= less paid; easy to control).

25. Labourers were called “hands”. They lived and worked in appaling conditions. They had no rights nor regulations to control their working hours.