King George II, the second monarch from the House of Hanover, ruled Great Britain during a time of significant political change and expansion of the British Empire. Born on October 30, 1683, in Hanover, Germany, George Augustus was the son of King George I and Sophia Dorothea of Celle. His youth was marked by the tumultuous relationship between his parents, culminating in their eventual separation and his mother's lifelong imprisonment. This rift had lasting effects, with George II growing distant from his father over time.

Educated in Hanover, George's early years were characterized by his military training and service. In 1705, he married Caroline of Ansbach, a match that blossomed into a genuine bond of love and respect. Together, they had eight children, including their eldest son Frederick, who would become a prominent figure during George's reign due to his strained relationship with his parents.

Ascending to the throne in 1727 after the death of his father, George II's reign was marked by several key events. Domestically, he continued his father's practice of depending on strong ministers, with Sir Robert Walpole effectively serving as the first Prime Minister. The nature of the monarchy during George's time was evolving, with the king having less direct control over governance and the rise of parliamentary power becoming more pronounced.

However, George II's reign was not without conflict. The Jacobite uprising in 1745, led by Charles Edward Stuart, or "Bonnie Prince Charlie," was a significant threat to the Hanoverian throne. Although the rebellion was ultimately defeated at the Battle of Culloden in 1746, it highlighted the ongoing tensions between the supporters of the Stuart claimants and the reigning Hanoverian dynasty.

In foreign relations, the War of Austrian Succession (1740-1748) was a defining conflict, with George II being the last British monarch to lead troops in battle, at the Battle of Dettingen in 1743. The war stemmed from disputes over who should succeed to the Austrian throne, with Britain opposing the expansion of French influence in Europe. This period also saw colonial conflicts with France in North America, laying the foundation for the subsequent Seven Years' War.

George's relationship with the governing class and Parliament was largely transactional, and he relied heavily on his ministers. However, his interactions with the English people were marked by a certain aloofness, and he was never as popular as some of his successors. Despite this, his reign was characterized by stability and growth, particularly in terms of commercial expansion and the beginnings of the British Industrial Revolution.

Culturally, George II's era was a time of enlightenment and discovery. The arts and sciences flourished, with figures such as Handel contributing to the musical landscape and scientists like Sir Isaac Newton laying the groundwork for modern physics. Literature, too, saw greats like Samuel Richardson and Henry Fielding pioneering the novel form.

As for George's family relationships, while he was deeply devoted to his wife, Caroline, his rapport with his son, Frederick, Prince of Wales, was notably contentious, echoing the discord between George and his own father. Their disputes became public affairs, adding to the drama of the court.

George II passed away on October 25, 1760. While his death marked the end of an era, it was also the dawn of an age where Britain would rise to global dominance under the successive reigns of his descendants. As for the public sentiment, it was mixed, acknowledging the stability he provided but also looking forward to the potential of a fresh start with a new monarch.