King George III was born on June 4, 1738, in London, England. He was the grandson of King George II and became heir to the throne after the death of his father, Frederick, Prince of Wales, in 1751. George III became king in 1760 at the age of 22, making him the first British monarch from the House of Hanover to be born in Britain and speak English as his first language.

Conflicts During His Reign

George III's reign was marked by numerous conflicts, both domestic and international. One of the most significant was the aftermath of the French and Indian War (1754–1763), which left Britain in heavy debt. To recover financially, Parliament passed laws like the Stamp Act and the Townshend Acts, which imposed taxes on the American colonies. These actions angered colonists, who believed they should not be taxed without representation in Parliament.

American Revolution and Independence

Tensions between Britain and its American colonies escalated, leading to the outbreak of the Revolutionary War in 1775. In 1776, the colonies formally declared their independence through the Declaration of Independence, which included a list of grievances against King George III. After years of conflict, the war ended with the Treaty of Paris in 1783, which recognized the United States as an independent nation and marked a major loss for the British Empire.

Later Years and Mental Health

Following the end of the war, George III began to withdraw from active political life. In 1789, he suffered a mental breakdown, now believed to be caused by a condition like porphyria or bipolar disorder. His health declined further over the years. In 1810, after another severe episode, Parliament passed the Regency Act, and his son, the future George IV, was appointed Prince Regent to rule in his place.