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Events & Atmosphere

Events & Atmosphere

A few major events occurred in the last quarter of the 18th century that lead to changes in the political order of London. One of the first was the Jacobite revolution in 1745, which threatened to overturn many fundamentals of British politics, such as the current monarchial regime, established religion, and the international position of Great Britain. Coinciding with this internal strife was the War of Austrian Succession (1740-1748), which strained state resources and divided public opinion, as the British supported Austria mainly to oppose France in the battle.

These fireworks were orchestrated in celebration of the "General Peace" following the
War of Austrian Succession in 1748.

The tumultuous course continued with the Seven Years War (1756-1763), which was a continuation and expansion of the War of Austrian Succession. These international struggles forced Britain to put its resources into the international arena.

Following on the heels of these international conflicts, Britain began to experience internal struggle that would precede the working-class French Revolution in the late 18th century. During the 1760s and 1770s, many poor and working-class families in England became conscious of their identity and increasing numbers, and participated in popular riots and protests to change the unsatisfactory characteristics of their lives, as well as to respond to the many controversies facing the country at this time. At the top of the list were the imperial administration’s role in India, the American Revolution, the battle over religious toleration, the economic reform of government, and the redevelopment of governance to minimize court and crown power. Concern over these political and social problems caused the British to evaluate their current state of affairs and attempt to fix its many faults.