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Primary sourceDocument3 September 1725

Treaty of Hanover

3 September 1725

An alliance treaty signed in 1725 at George's Hanover court between Great Britain, Hanover, France and Prussia.

Signed at George's own Hanover court, the treaty shows how his foreign policy blended his British and Hanoverian roles.

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Scan of the title and opening text of the 1725 Defensive Treaty of Alliance concluded at Hanover between the King of Great Britain, the most Christian King, and the King of Prussia. Printed in old-style type on aged paper.
Title page of the Treaty of Hanover, 1725. U.S. National Archives copy.

About this source

What it is

The Treaty of Hanover was a defensive alliance signed on 3 September 1725 between the Kingdom of Great Britain, the Electorate of Hanover, the Kingdom of France and the Kingdom of Prussia. It was agreed at Hanover, George I's own German court, and promised mutual military support between the signing powers.

Why it matters

The treaty was a response to Austria and Spain forming their own alliance. It shows how George I, ruling both Britain and Hanover, shaped European diplomacy using his position in both states. The alliance also touched on religious tensions in Europe, including concerns raised by Britain and Prussia about treatment of Protestants in Poland. It reveals how closely George's foreign policy as king was tied to his interests as a continental elector.

Look closer

  • Why might a treaty be signed at Hanover rather than London?
  • What does the involvement of four different powers tell you about the balance of power in Europe at this time?
  • What does the treaty's language of 'firm and inviolable peace' leave out about the real tensions behind it?

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