14
son of the Emperor of Germany, had been appointed to succeed, an English army under the command of the Earl of Peterborough was sent to support Charles, and was at first successful; but Peterborough being recalled, the English were completely defeated, and Philip firmly established on the throne. An event of great importance took place in 1707; this was the union between England and Scotland, which, although long governed by the same sovereign, until now had remained separate kingdoms.
The Whigs, to which party the Duke of Marlborough belonged, and who had been in office from the commencement of this reign, had for some time been on the decline, and soon after the Union were succeeded by their rivals the Tories: their downfall was principally occasioned by the queen’s dislike to them. Anne, who was led by her favourites, had long been influenced by the Duchess of Marlborough, but she was succeeded by another favourite, who used her influence on behalf of the Tories. This triumph was accelerated by certain proceedings against Sacheverell, a clergyman, and defender of high prerogative opinions, and who had become very popular. The Duke of Marlborough was recalled in the midst of brilliant success, and a peace concluded with France. But whilst the Whigs were attacking the Tories, and the Tories were divided amongst themselves, the queen’s constitution gave way, and she died on the first of August, 1714; after having reigned more than twelve years over a people that had now risen to a high degree of refinement and opulence.
Eminent men in this reign; Churchill, Duke of Marlborough; St. John, Lord Bolingbroke; Sir William Templo; Harley, Earl of Oxford; Jonathan Swift.
