Whig Split

Following the Hanoverian Succession in 1714, the Tory government previously led by Robert Harley was ousted and the new King George I appointed a Whig-dominated ministry, commencing the fifty year Whig Oligarchy.

While on the Continent, Stanhope played a major role in negotiating the Anglo-French Alliance reversing Britain's historic opposition to the French Crown.

Stanhope also supported George over the Great Northern War, in which Hanover was trying to annexe both the Dutchy of Bremen and smaller Duchy of Verden.

Townshend was removed from his role supervising Britain's foreign policy, but was transferred to be Lord Lieutenant of Ireland to soften the blow.

[4] The King responded angrily and in consequence Prince George and his wife Caroline of Ansbach were banished from St James's Palace, forced to leave behind their three daughters.

They took up residence at Leicester House, spending their summers at Richmond Lodge near the River Thames, and established a rival court to George.

A significant victory for the opposition came with the government failure to impeach Harley, now Lord Oxford, for his role in the Peace of Utrecht.

Two months after Stanhope died while himself defending the government's conduct in the House of Lords, Walpole was appointed to replace him.

However, Whig dominance continued under Henry Pelham, a long-standing minister under Walpole, and his successor the Duke of Newcastle.