King George I of Great Britain reigned from 1714 to 1727. He was the first monarch of the House of Hanover and became king after the death of Queen Anne. His ascension marked the beginning of a new royal line, as he was a descendant of James VI and I, the first Stuart king of England. George I was born in Germany and spoke little English when he arrived in Britain. His reign was characterized by political instability and the rise of the Whig Party. He relied heavily on his ministers, particularly Robert Walpole, who became the first de facto Prime Minister of Great Britain.