Scottish Wars of Independence
Introduction
The Scottish Wars of Independence were a series of military campaigns fought between the Kingdom of Scotland and the Kingdom of England in the late 13th and early 14th centuries. These wars were pivotal in the history of Scotland, leading to the eventual establishment of Scotland as an independent kingdom. The conflicts are traditionally divided into two distinct wars: the First War of Scottish Independence (1296–1328) and the Second War of Scottish Independence (1332–1357).
Background
The origins of the Scottish Wars of Independence can be traced back to the death of Alexander III of Scotland in 1286, which led to a succession crisis. The subsequent death of his granddaughter and heir, Margaret, Maid of Norway, in 1290 left Scotland without a clear successor. This power vacuum prompted several claimants to the Scottish throne, leading to a period of political instability.
The Great Cause
In 1292, Edward I of England was invited to arbitrate the succession dispute, a process known as the Great Cause. Edward chose John Balliol as the new King of Scotland, but Balliol's reign was fraught with difficulties, including conflicts with the Scottish nobility and increasing pressure from Edward I, who sought to assert his overlordship over Scotland.
First War of Scottish Independence (1296–1328)
The First War of Scottish Independence began in 1296 when Edward I invaded Scotland, capturing key strongholds and deposing John Balliol. This invasion marked the beginning of a protracted struggle for Scottish independence.
Initial Resistance
The initial phase of resistance was characterized by a series of uprisings led by figures such as William Wallace and Andrew Moray. Wallace's victory at the Battle of Stirling Bridge in 1297 was a significant morale booster for the Scots, although he was later defeated at the Battle of Falkirk in 1298.
Robert the Bruce
The leadership of the Scottish resistance was later taken up by Robert the Bruce, who was crowned King of Scots in 1306. Bruce's guerrilla warfare tactics and strategic victories, such as the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314, were crucial in weakening English control over Scotland.
Treaty of Edinburgh-Northampton
The First War of Scottish Independence concluded with the Treaty of Edinburgh-Northampton in 1328, which recognized Scotland's independence and Robert the Bruce as its king.
Second War of Scottish Independence (1332–1357)
The Second War of Scottish Independence was sparked by the death of Robert the Bruce in 1329 and the subsequent minority of his son, David II. This period saw renewed attempts by England to assert control over Scotland.
Edward Balliol and the Disinherited
Edward Balliol, son of the deposed John Balliol, and a group of disenfranchised Scottish nobles known as the Disinherited, sought to reclaim their lost lands and titles. With support from Edward III of England, Balliol invaded Scotland in 1332, leading to a series of conflicts.
Key Battles
The Second War saw several key battles, including the Battle of Dupplin Moor in 1332 and the Battle of Halidon Hill in 1333, where the Scots suffered significant defeats. However, the tide turned with the return of David II from exile and the resurgence of Scottish resistance.
Treaty of Berwick
The war ultimately ended with the Treaty of Berwick in 1357, which secured David II's release from captivity and reaffirmed Scotland's independence.
Impact and Legacy
The Scottish Wars of Independence had a profound impact on the political landscape of Scotland and England. They established Scotland as an independent kingdom and fostered a sense of national identity among the Scots. The wars also had significant cultural and social implications, influencing Scottish literature, folklore, and national consciousness.