Week 4 - Queen Anne

Week 4 - 1703

Read:  Queen Anne by Herbert Woodfield Paul
Published 1906
Available on Google Books at no cost.

A very detailed look at the politics and social mores of the 14 years of Queen Anne's reign.  This was an excellent explanation of how she became Queen and  the Act of Settlement which secured succession of George I.  The religious tenor of the times dominated the political parties and many of the decisions made. 

 The book was divided into sections; the War of Spanish Succession, Politics, Literature, and Society and Manners. 

The Duke of Marlborough and Godolphin dominated the leadership of the country during the Wars of Spanish Succession, but gave way to the Tories , St John and Harley, in 1712.

 The writings of Jonathan Swift, Daniel Defoe, Addison and Steel (The Spectator),  Prior, Alexander Pope, Congreve and Dryden and the prominence of political pamphlets dominated literature and were important to the political process

 

Despite Anne's personal adherence to religious teachings, society of the time was marked by licentiousness, drunkenness, gambling and scandal.  She insisted upon courtliness and manners at Court, but this did not necessarily translate to society in the whole.  Court favoritism gave power to others and Anne was not considered to be capable or intellectual enough to manage the affairs of state. 

It was not a favorable look at Anne herself, but pointed out the lasting impact of her reign, including military victory, the Act of Settlement, the dominance of the Church of England, The Act of Union and the advance of Literature.

My take was that she left Britain more stable and enriched than she found it.

Very readable and a good explanation of the times.