The Last King of America: Andrew Roberts on King George III

Recorded on December 3, 2021

In his long and distinguished career, British historian Andrew Roberts has produced world-class biographies of Winston Churchill, and Napoleon, several histories of World War II and the men who led the countries who fought that war, and other great conflicts in world history. Roberts’s new book is The Last King of America: The Misunderstood Reign of George III, a biography of the monarch who led England during the American Revolution and who has been made into something of a caricature by Americans, most recently by his portrayal in the musical Hamilton as a preening, stuck-up (but funny) king of England. In this interview and in his book, Roberts goes to great lengths to deconstruct that distortion and, in the process, give us an extremely nuanced and detailed portrait of the man who created the conditions for America’s independence. Roberts also explains in great detail the dynamics between the British parliament and the nascent American government, including a fascinating account of the writing of and subsequent British reaction to the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution.

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[KainedbutAble]

Compare this hour of wondrous knowledge to the garbage you get on TV. Incredible stuff, thank you so much for these discussions.

[cmp]

The dialogue between George and John Adams displays deep respect and intelligence.

[jstanley]

Entertaining as it is enlightening: first time I laughed aloud at one of these. The quip about the English home front not caring for the war until the French got involved really had me going, amongst other parts.

[historybuff]

Thumbs up. Andrew Roberts deserves, and will probably receive, a knighthood for this and his earlier biography of Winston Churchill. Both books are highly readable, filled with new information, and favourable to their subjects without (completely) losing objectivity. The Last King of America is best enjoyed as bedside reading over a period of weeks or more.

[ws]

Love how these two are debating, as gentlemen mind you, the perhaps ounce of bad blood that yet exists between America and England going on 250 years after the course of events. Hilarious to see both batting patriotically for their sides in the most generous and charitable of manners. Great stuff!

[Meandmythirdleg]

I enjoyed Napoleon the Great very much. I'll certainly be picking up the new book.

[CommonSwindler]

The Anglosphere comments were some of the most prescient of the entire video. Simply brilliant interview as always by Peter.

[expatexpat]

George III was of course not the last European monarch with possessions on North American soil. Inhabitants of Florida remained subjects to the Spanish monarch until 1819. Texans also were Spanish subjects until 1810/11 and were briefly subjects of the Mexican Emperor from 1822 - 23. Alaskans were the subjects of the RU Emperor until 1867. Canada still has a king, and some say Elvis still reigns south of the Canada border.

[brianbeard]

One of the more interesting Uncommon Knowledge interviews. Very well done.

[TheFirstManticore]

I came to awareness of the French and Indian wars through the writings of James Fennimore Cooper.

[jamesmorgan]

Thank you for your time and efforts. Very enjoyable to learn .

[dougtalks]

I once heard Andrew Roberts speak and he casually mentioned something along the lines of "the current power of the US President dwarfs the power of King George III." That's a statement that certainly feels correct, but I'm curious if there are any detailed writings comparing the powers of a modern US President (as head of the administrative state) vs the power of the "tyrant" King George III.

[zenocrate]

This discussion is case-in-point why I subscribe to the Hoover Institute’s channel. Superb. Cannot wait to read the book.

[brucehutchinson]

This is an extremely enlightening presentation and book.
My sarcasm stated elsewhere is due to my sincere concern about the continued success of this Western Civilization the British Commonwealth has perpetuated.
With covid-19 as the excuse Australia turning tyrannica; me worrying about Canada USA and Britain becoming social justice attempts at tyranny allowing CCP China to take over the South China Sea and the Pacific. The Asian version of a tin pot dictatorship North Korea threatening. The agreement with Hong Kong totally destroyed. The likes of Nike NBA LeBron James Google Apple every US Corporation that wants to make a buck and China selling their intellectual & economic souls to CCP China Etc Etc. taking up with and facilitating CCP China does not look good from my perspective.

[daneracamosa]

Great discussion and a wonderful book.... But did Andrew just blame the death and destruction of the 20th century on our founding fathers? 😉

[EricM_]

This previously ignorant coastal inhabitant of the Massachusetts Bay Colony enjoyed this talk thoroughly, and is now feeling enlightened! 😉

[angusmcangus]

A terrific discussion, an eye-opener. Thank you, Peter. The real George III really is badly taught in Britain too. I also particularly liked Andrew's counter-factual musings. One could talk all day about that.

[lukejolley]

Hey bro what about Canada???? We split off in 1867 without a shot being fired!!

[svenskanorsk]

Another book from Andrew Roberts? Yes please! I was about to read The Storm of War for the 4th time

[zacj]

Wonderful content as always, but particularly insightful observation on the influence of the anglosphere at the end there