Queen Anne's ascension to the throne came after the death of King William III, who ruled jointly with Anne's sister, Mary II, until Mary's death in 1694. As the last monarch of the House of Stuart, Anne's reign began a significant era in Britain. In a period rife with political contention and religious differences—particularly between Anglicans and Catholics—Anne had to navigate complex challenges while simultaneously addressing the needs of her subjects. Her reign was characterized by a shift away from the policies of her predecessors, particularly concerning issues of religious toleration.

Anne's government had to reconcile the opposing factions of the Whigs and Tories, and her early attempts to work with the Whigs were often fraught with tension. However, as her reign progressed, she found more alignment with the Tories, which would ultimately influence her domestic policies significantly. In addition to political maneuvering, Queen Anne’s reign was also notable for the Act of Union in 1707, which united England and Scotland under a single Parliament, thereby shaping the future of Great Britain. Throughout her time as queen, she faced health challenges and would later experience personal losses, which would deeply affect her rule.

Under Queen Anne, the War of the Spanish Succession commenced with England, Spain, and France, marking a pivotal conflict in European history. Her various policies and regulations aimed to stabilize the nation and reflect her commitment to the Protestant faith, distinguishing her reign and setting a precedent for her successors. Anne also worked to support the royal family and the broader interests of Britain, encompassing military, political, and cultural dimensions that would resonate long after her time on the throne.