Definition of George
the name of four kings of Great Britain and Ireland, one of Great Britain and Ireland (from 1920, of the United Kingdom), and one of the United Kingdom. George I (1660–1727), great-grandson of James I; reigned 1714–27; elector of Hanover 1698–1727. The first British sovereign of the house of Hanover, he was unpopular in England because of his German manners and his inability to speak English. George II (1683–1760), son of George I; reigned 1727–60; elector of Hanover 1727–60. He took an active part in the War of the Austrian Succession 1740–48. George III (1738–1820), grandson of George II; reigned 1760–1820; elector of Hanover 1760–1815; king of Hanover 1815–20. He reigned during the time of the American Revolution and the War of 1812. His political influence declined from 1788 after bouts of mental illness. George IV (1762–1830), son of George III; reigned 1820–30. Known as a patron of the arts and bon viveur, he had a bad reputation that was further damaged by his attempt to divorce his estranged wife Caroline of Brunswick just after coming to the throne. George V (1865–1936), son of Edward VII; reigned 1910–36. He exercised restrained but important influence over British politics and played a significant role in the formation of the government in 1931. During World War I he changed the name of the royal house to Windsor. George VI (1894–1952), son of George V; reigned 1936–52. He came to the throne when his older brother Edward VIII abdicated.
