George III and American Revolution: Counter-Revolutionary Leader or Defender of British Constitution?

This article aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the role of British monarch George III in the events surrounding the American Revolution. The novelty of this research lies in its exploration of the English king’s actions, which have yet to be thoroughly examined in terms of assessing the counterrevolutionary response of the metropolis to the challenges posed by the colonists, as well as the objective factors influencing his critical decisions during the American War of Independence. The author investigates the nuances of the king’s political maturation, the concept of the patriot king as articulated by Viscount Bolingbroke, and the evolution of perceptions regarding the monarchy and George III within colonial society. The motivations behind the sovereign’s specific choices during the American crisis are analyzed through the lens of domestic politics and the characteristics of imperial governance. This article departs from the traditional portrayal of the British monarch as a tyrant, as established by the Declaration of Independence, which is examined in light of its allegations against the king’s tyranny. The conclusion drawn is that, in matters of imperial relations, George III was primarily guided by parliamentary interests and only after the outbreak of war, due to his character and sense of duty, did he become one of the most steadfast and obstinate proponents of suppressing the colonial rebellion through force.