The History of England in Three Volumes, Vol.III. / From the Accession of George III. to the Twenty-Third Year of the Reign of Queen Victoria

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Gutenberg ID

19218

Title

The History of England in Three Volumes, Vol.III. / From the Accession of George III. to the Twenty-Third Year of the Reign of Queen Victoria

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

This volume chronicles the turbulent transition of England from the reign of George III to the early years of Queen Victoria, focusing on the pivotal Reform Act of 1832, the Indian Mutiny, and shifting political landscapes under Derby and Palmerston.

Summary up to 500 words

Volume III of *The History of England* by Edward Farr and E. H. Nolan chronicles the transformative era from the accession of George III to the reign of Queen Victoria, focusing on legislative independence, parliamentary reform, and imperial conflicts. The narrative begins with a pivotal constitutional advancement: an act passed in 1701 under William III secured judicial independence by making judges' commissions dependent solely on their faithful service rather than the Crown's pleasure or the death of a monarch. This principle was further solidified during George III's reign when his Majesty recommended, and Parliament enacted, provisions to ensure judges' salaries and tenure were independent of royal interference. The volume details the tumultuous passage of the Great Reform Bill, which fundamentally altered the composition of Parliament by enfranchising ten-pound householders. The text vividly describes the violent general elections of 1832, where mobs and military intervention were required to maintain order, particularly in Scotland. In Parliament, the debate centered on the necessity of reform versus fears of mob rule; however, the election results demonstrated a clear public mandate for change, leading to the bill's passage. A significant portion is dedicated to the Indian Mutiny, specifically the Sikh army's invasion of British territories. The narrative recounts the strategic maneuvers and heavy artillery duels led by Sir Hugh Gough at Moodkee and Ferozeshah. Despite suffering heavy casualties, including the deaths of Sir Robert Sale and Sir John M'Caskill, British forces displayed remarkable gallantry against entrenched Sikh positions, eventually capturing key artillery parks and dislodging the enemy from their fortified camps. Politically, the era is defined by the fall of Lord Palmerston's ministry following an assassination attempt on Napoleon III. The government faced intense criticism for its perceived subservience to France, leading to the formation of Lord Derby's Tory government. This administration struggled with unpopular measures regarding India and Jewish emancipation before collapsing over foreign policy disputes involving Austria and Italy. The volume concludes with the restoration of Lord Palmerston's administration under Queen Victoria, highlighting his status as a preeminent statesman capable of steering the nation through great emergencies, a sentiment echoed by contemporaries who viewed him as the greatest statesman of the age.

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Categories

• History