OCR Specification focus:
‘Queen Anne: personality and internal policies; Whigs and Tories; Marlborough-Godolphin and Harley ministries; different views of war.’
Queen Anne’s reign (1702–1714) was pivotal in shaping the political and religious landscape of Britain, marked by deep party divisions, ministerial rivalries, and evolving war policies.
Queen Anne: Personality and Internal Policies
Queen Anne was the last Stuart monarch, ascending the throne in 1702.
Queen Anne depicted in state dress by Sir Godfrey Kneller. The portrait conveys the ceremonial authority and Anglican establishment role emphasised in her reign, supporting the syllabus focus on personality and internal policies. This is a formal court image; it does not cover party politics or war detail. Source
Her reign was characterised by her devout Anglican faith, commitment to the Church of England, and preference for personal monarchy. She was often described as shy, reserved, and reliant upon her closest confidantes, most notably Sarah Churchill, Duchess of Marlborough. Anne sought to balance her role as a religious defender with her position as a constitutional monarch within an evolving parliamentary system.
Anne’s internal policies reflected her desire to strengthen the Anglican Church and resist religious dissent. She strongly supported the Act of Settlement 1701, which ensured a Protestant succession, and maintained firm loyalty to the Test Acts, limiting the participation of Catholics and Dissenters in public life. While devoted to the Church, she was pragmatic in governance, understanding that party politics and ministerial competence were crucial in maintaining stability.
Whigs and Tories: Party Divisions
The early 18th century was defined by the rivalry between Whigs and Tories, whose differing ideologies shaped Anne’s reign.
The Whigs
Advocated constitutional monarchy and parliamentary sovereignty.
Favoured religious toleration for Protestant Dissenters, though not Catholics.
Strongly supported the War of the Spanish Succession (1702–1714) as a means to check French power and defend Protestant Europe.
Sought close ties with the mercantile and financial interests, appealing to urban elites and commercial classes.
The Tories
Stressed monarchical authority and the defence of the Anglican establishment.
Distrusted religious toleration, seeing it as a threat to the supremacy of the Church of England.
More sceptical of the war effort, often portraying it as costly and unnecessary.
Drew support largely from the landed gentry, rural voters, and traditionalists.
Tory: A political grouping in the 17th–18th centuries favouring strong monarchy, Anglican dominance, and scepticism toward foreign wars.
Though Queen Anne personally inclined towards Tory religious values, she shifted between Whig and Tory ministries depending on circumstances, showing pragmatism in maintaining political balance.
The Marlborough–Godolphin Ministry
The most prominent early ministry of Anne’s reign was dominated by John Churchill, Duke of Marlborough, and Sidney Godolphin, Lord Treasurer. This alliance, lasting much of the first decade, effectively prosecuted the War of the Spanish Succession.
Marlborough, as military commander, achieved major victories at Blenheim (1704), Ramillies (1706), and Oudenarde (1708), strengthening Britain’s international standing.
Broad overview map of the Battle of Blenheim showing key rivers, towns and the opposing deployments. It illustrates how Marlborough’s manoeuvre forced a decisive engagement that shifted the European balance in Britain’s favour. Labels are concise and classroom-friendly. Source
Godolphin, a skilled financier, secured the funds necessary to sustain the war, including through the growing National Debt and partnerships with the Bank of England.
Though initially supported by both parties, the ministry gradually leaned toward the Whigs, who were the war’s most enthusiastic backers. By 1708, a predominantly Whig Junto (a group of leading Whig politicians) held significant influence, dominating parliamentary debates and directing war strategy.
The Harley Ministry
In contrast, Robert Harley, Earl of Oxford, rose to prominence in 1710, leading a Tory ministry that reflected a shift in public and political opinion against the long war.
Harley positioned himself as a moderate Tory, combining elements of financial skill with a pragmatic political style.
He capitalised on public weariness of war and growing resentment of the Whigs’ dominance, particularly their perceived neglect of Anglican interests.
His ministry pursued peace negotiations, culminating in the Treaty of Utrecht (1713), which ended Britain’s involvement in the war.
Map of Europe in 1714 at the end of the War of the Spanish Succession, showing the territorial settlement associated with the Peace of Utrecht. This visual reinforces how war aims translated into a new continental balance of power. Note: the map includes wider continental detail beyond Britain to contextualise the settlement. Source
Harley’s government was marked by internal instability, balancing Tory factions between hardline Anglican defenders and moderates seeking compromise. Nonetheless, his tenure symbolised a decisive turn away from Whig supremacy and costly continental commitments.
Treaty of Utrecht (1713): A series of agreements ending the War of the Spanish Succession, redistributing European territories and establishing Britain as a leading power.
Different Views of War
The War of the Spanish Succession was the defining foreign policy challenge of Anne’s reign, and domestic politics became deeply entangled with the question of its continuation.
Whig View
Saw war as necessary to prevent French dominance under Louis XIV and to protect Protestant states.
Argued that victory abroad would strengthen Britain’s economy through trade and new territorial acquisitions.
Supported alliance commitments with the Dutch and the Holy Roman Empire.
Tory View
Criticised the war’s cost in lives and money, portraying it as benefiting continental allies more than Britain.
Emphasised the need for peace and stability at home, protecting the landed interests of their supporters.
Viewed Whig enthusiasm for war as linked to financial profiteering through the stock market and banking interests.
By the end of Anne’s reign, the Tories had successfully capitalised on widespread anti-war sentiment, reshaping British policy towards restraint and peace.
The Significance of Anne’s Reign
Queen Anne’s reign represented a transitional period in British politics. The strengthening of parliamentary government, the deepening of party divisions, and the rise of ministerial power were crucial long-term developments. Anne herself, though personally conservative and religiously devoted, adapted to these changes, appointing ministers and navigating party rivalries with notable pragmatism. Her reign thus stands as a key phase in the making of modern British political life.
FAQ
Sarah Churchill was Queen Anne’s closest confidante during the early years of her reign. She exercised influence over Anne’s ministerial choices, especially in supporting Marlborough’s military command and the Godolphin ministry.
However, her increasingly overbearing behaviour and sharp criticisms strained their relationship. By 1711, Anne replaced Sarah with Abigail Masham, whose influence helped shift Anne towards Tory ministers like Robert Harley.
The war dragged on for over a decade, and despite victories, it consumed vast sums of money and lives.
Heavy taxation burdened both landowners and merchants.
Many felt Britain was fighting disproportionately for continental allies.
War-weariness fuelled Tory arguments that peace would safeguard domestic stability and finances.
This growing discontent gave momentum to the Tory push for peace under Harley.
Anne suffered from chronic ill health, including gout and obesity, which often confined her to bed.
This physical frailty limited her ability to attend Parliament regularly, increasing reliance on trusted ministers and advisers. Despite her condition, Anne remained actively involved in correspondence and decision-making, showing determination to uphold her royal authority.
Her health also shaped perceptions of vulnerability, influencing political manoeuvres around succession.
The Whig Junto was a group of leading Whigs, including Somers, Wharton, and Sunderland. They dominated from 1708 to 1710, during Marlborough’s greatest successes.
Strongly supported aggressive prosecution of the war.
Controlled major offices and Parliament, consolidating Whig influence.
Promoted financial measures such as reliance on the Bank of England and the expansion of the National Debt.
Their dominance alienated Anne, who resented their assertiveness, paving the way for a Tory resurgence.
The treaty secured valuable gains: Gibraltar, Minorca, and trading rights in Spanish America.
However, it was criticised for abandoning allies, especially the Dutch and Holy Roman Empire, who continued fighting France. Whigs argued Britain had compromised too soon, undermining its international reputation.
Tories defended it as pragmatic, ending an overlong war and securing Britain’s maritime and commercial interests. The controversy deepened party divisions and shaped debates well beyond Anne’s reign.
Practice Questions
Question 1 (2 marks):
In which year was the Treaty of Utrecht signed, and which monarch was on the throne of Britain at the time?
Mark Scheme:
1 mark for correct year: 1713
1 mark for correct monarch: Queen Anne
Question 2 (6 marks):
Explain two differences between the Whig and Tory views on the War of the Spanish Succession during Queen Anne’s reign.
Mark Scheme:
Award up to 3 marks for each valid and developed difference (maximum 6 marks).
1 mark for identifying a difference.
1 mark for describing the view.
1 mark for providing context or explanation relevant to Queen Anne’s reign.
Indicative content:
Whigs supported continuation of the war as necessary to limit French power and protect Protestant Europe; Tories criticised the war as costly and of little benefit to Britain.
Whigs associated with mercantile and financial interests, believing war success would expand trade and overseas power; Tories prioritised landed gentry concerns, arguing peace would protect stability and domestic interests.
Whigs emphasised alliance obligations with European partners; Tories stressed national priorities and avoiding entanglement in continental commitments.
