1727. The Spaniards besieged Gibraltar, but abandoned the enterprise after it had lasted four months.
George II.
D. He was the son of George I. B. at Hanover, 1683. M. Caroline, of Anspach. Dd. at Kensington, Oct 25, 1760. R. 33¼ years (1727 to 1760).
1730. Sir Robert Walpole became supreme in the government.
1733. Excise bill introduced, but abandoned on account of the violent opposition which it experienced.
1739. War with Spain. Porto Bello, on the Isthmus of Darien, taken by Admiral Vernon.
1741. Frederick, king of Prussia, invaded Silesia, and thus arose a war with the empress.
1742. Resignation of Walpole. The earl of Bath and Lord Carteret became chief ministers. England espoused the cause of the empress against Prussia; the latter was aided by France.
1743. George II. defeated the French at Dettingen, in Bavaria (June 27).
1744. France declared war against Great Britain. Anson returned from his voyage round the world, during which he inflicted great damage on the Spaniards. Coalition ministry, of which Henry Pelham was head.