George III was ruler of Britain during the years in which American colonists
fought for their independence in the Revolutionary War.
Both the city of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County were named to honor his
wife, Charlotte-Sophia of Mecklenburg-Strelitz, Germany.
King George tried in many ways to keep the American colonists from breaking
away from Britain. He refused to grant permission for the operation of Charlotte's
Queens College and spoke out against the settlers' rebellion. Under his rule, harsh
trade restrictions and tax laws were imposed against the colonists.
King George III sent troops to the American colonies to try and suppress
uprisings against British authority. These attempts ultimately failed and led to the
American Revolutionary War.
He suffered from mental illness and went blind in 1809. George IV carried out the
rest of his father's reign until King George III died in 1820.
