Reign of Queen Anne

Anne became queen in 1702 and ruled through a period dominated abroad by the War of the Spanish Succession and at home by fierce rivalry between Whigs and Tories. Military victories increased British influence while the cost of war intensified political conflict.

The Acts of Union in 1707 joined the kingdoms of England and Scotland into Great Britain, reshaping parliament, trade and succession politics. Court favourites and ministerial factions remained important to the working of government throughout the reign.

Anne died in 1714 without a surviving child, bringing the Stuart monarchy to an end and transferring the crown to George I under the Protestant succession.