George I was the first monarch of the House of Hanover, ruling Great Britain and Ireland from 1714 until his death in 1727. He became king after the death of Queen Anne, as he was a Protestant and a descendant of James VI and I, which aligned with the Act of Settlement 1701 that aimed to ensure a Protestant succession. During his reign, George I faced challenges, including political tensions with the Whigs and Tories, the two dominant political parties of the time. His rule marked the beginning of a shift towards a more parliamentary system, as he relied heavily on his ministers, particularly Robert Walpole, who is often considered the first Prime Minister of Great Britain.