King George I (Washington Dynasty)

King George I (b. 1732 d. 1799 r. 1784-1799), best remembered for leading the Continental Army as General during the American Revolution that lead to the founding of the United States of America and his crowning as King was the first King of the Washington House of America.

Reign
1784-1789

After his coronation King George I presided over a weak government. The legislative branch, included a Parliament with the House of Commons with one minister per state, and the House of Lords which included nobles. John Adams became the first Prime Minister. Some nobles had been nobles that had been nobles before the Revolution and supported George Washington, and others had been granted nobility by the king. Nobles that had remained loyal to England, which included most nobles lost their titles. Many were condemned to death for treason in the first two years of King George I's reign. A few states also had Dukes, but not only did they have to be approved by King George they also had to be approved by the state, since states determined the nature of their own governments. During this period the American economy struggled and the government struggled to function. Seeing this crisis King George I decreed a new convention in 1787 to form a more perfect union.

1789-1799

Constitutional Convention

The Convention took two years and ended with a new proposed Constitution, which strengthened the powers of the federal government, including the King and the Prime Minister. The King now held almost full power in respect to foreign policy. However, to declare war required permission from Parliament. Unlike in OTL, political parties have not formed. Although they are not illegal it is known that King George disapproves of them and his opinion is powerful. Still informal factions do emerge based on the issues of state's rights and monarchism versus republicanism.

French Revolution

In 1789 revolution breaks out in France leading to the founding of a republic. In 1791 France becomes a Constitutional monarchy with a legislative assembly. In order to increase his popularity King Louis XVI starts a war in 1792 with Austria, which is then backed by Prussia. During this time there is much discussion over what course of action the US should take. As France helped the US win the revolution King George I sees France as an ally, but decides not to help it with a war of aggression. Later that same year the Jacobins revolt and seize power, abolishing the monarchy. The following year the King and Queen are beheaded on charges of treason, and a reign of terror emerges in France leading to the beheading of thousands of people. King George I remains neutral during this time, although there is a growing anti-French sentiment. The Alien and Sedition Act is passed in 1797 and is given the royal assent by King George I, effectively prohibiting anything said against the king and most criticism of the government. A few people are even accused of being French spies and executed.