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George I and the first Prime Minister

Study note

Queen Anne died in 1714 without an heir of her own, so Parliament had to choose the next monarch. It selected George I, a German prince, because he was Anne's nearest Protestant relative. The rule that the monarch had to be a Protestant, set after the Glorious Revolution, is why a more direct Catholic claimant was passed over.

George I had grown up in Germany and spoke little English, so he depended heavily on his ministers to run the country for him. The most important of these ministers came to be called the Prime Minister. Sir Robert Walpole is regarded as the first British Prime Minister, holding that role from 1721 to 1742. Remember both the name Walpole and those dates, and that the cause was George I's poor English rather than his being a child or always abroad.

Memory tip: German-speaking George I leans on ministers; Walpole becomes first PM, 1721 to 1742.

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Question 1 of 4

Who is regarded as the first British Prime Minister?

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George I and the first Prime Minister: questions, answers and explanations

  1. 1. Who is regarded as the first British Prime Minister?

    • Winston Churchill
    • Sir Robert Walpole
    • William Pitt
    • The Duke of Wellington

    Correct answer: Sir Robert Walpole

    Sir Robert Walpole was the first British Prime Minister, from 1721 to 1742.

  2. 2. During which years was Sir Robert Walpole Prime Minister?

    • 1837 to 1901
    • 1721 to 1742
    • 1688 to 1702
    • 1801 to 1815

    Correct answer: 1721 to 1742

    Sir Robert Walpole was Prime Minister from 1721 to 1742.

  3. 3. Why did George I rely so heavily on his ministers?

    • He was always abroad
    • He could not read
    • He was German and spoke little English
    • He was a child

    Correct answer: He was German and spoke little English

    George I, a German prince, spoke little English and depended on his ministers.

  4. 4. George I was chosen as king because he was Queen Anne's nearest Protestant relative.

    • True
    • False

    Correct answer: True

    True. Parliament chose George I as Anne's nearest Protestant relative.

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