Wars of Scottish Independence

Quick Facts: Who was Wars of Scottish Independence?

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Wars of Scottish Independence

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A defining period of national struggle where Scotland fought for its sovereignty against English domination.

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Origins & Early Life

The Scottish wars (1296–1357) were two extended military conflicts in which the Kingdom of England attempted to establish full control over the Kingdom of Scotland. In spite of significant temporary successes, the English efforts in both wars ultimately failed due to Scottish resistance and Scotland remained an independent country. The wars were part of a great crisis for Scotland, and the period became one of the most defining times in its history. The First War (1296–1328) began with the English invasion of Scotland and ended with the signing of the Treaty of Edinburgh–Northampton. The Second War (1332–1357) began with the English-supported invasion by Edward Balliol and the "Disinherited" and ended with the signing of the Treaty of Berwick.

Career & Major Achievements

Notable figures during the Wars of Scottish Independence included several of the Kings of Scotland such as Alexander III of Scotland, John Balliol, Robert the Bruce and David II of Scotland, with other prominent figures such as William Wallace who served as Guardian of Scotland from 1297–1298. Key figures on the English side include monarchs Edward I, Edward II and Edward III, as well as the contested King of Scotland, Edward Balliol. The wars were important for other reasons, such as the emergence of the longbow as a key weapon in medieval warfare. King Alexander III of Scotland died in 1286, leaving his three-year-old granddaughter Margaret, Maid of Norway, as his heir. In 1290, the Guardians of Scotland signed the Treaty of Birgham agreeing to the marriage of the Maid of Norway and Edward of Caernarvon, the son of Edward I. This marriage would not create a union between Scotland and England because the Scots insisted that the Treaty declare that Scotland was separate and divided from England and that its rights, laws, liberties and customs were wholly and inviolably preserved for all time.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

However, Margaret, travelling to her new kingdom, died shortly after landing in the Orkney Islands around 26 September 1290. After her death, there were 13 rivals for succession. The two leading competitors for the Scottish crown were Robert de Brus, 5th Lord of Annandale (grandfather of the future King Robert the Bruce) and John Balliol, Lord of Galloway. Fearing civil war between the Bruce and Balliol families and supporters, the Guardians of Scotland wrote to Edward I of England, asking him to come north and arbitrate between the claimants in order to avoid civil war. Edward agreed to meet the guardians at Norham in 1291.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1286: 1286 Milestone — King Alexander III of Scotland died in 1286, leaving his three-year-old granddaughter Margaret, Maid of Norway, as his heir.
2. 1290: 1290 Milestone — In 1290, the Guardians of Scotland signed the Treaty of Birgham agreeing to the marriage of the Maid of Norway and Edward of Caernarvon, the son of Edward I.
3. 1291: 1291 Milestone — Edward agreed to meet the guardians at Norham in 1291.
4. 1296: 1296 Milestone — The Scottish wars (1296–1357) were two extended military conflicts in which the Kingdom of England attempted to establish full control over the Kingdom of Scotland.
5. 1297: 1297 Milestone — Notable figures during the Wars of Scottish Independence included several of the Kings of Scotland such as Alexander III of Scotland, John Balliol, Robert the Bruce and David II of Scotland, with other prominent figures such as William Wallace who served as Guardian of Scotland from 1297–1298.
6. 1332: 1332 Milestone — The Second War (1332–1357) began with the English-supported invasion by Edward Balliol and the "Disinherited" and ended with the signing of the Treaty of Berwick.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Wars of Scottish Independence

True or False: “The Scottish Wars were solely a conflict over border disputes rather than issues of national sovereignty.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): The wars were fundamentally about the English attempt to establish full control and subjugate Scotland's independent status.

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