Wars of Scottish Independence

The Wars of Scottish Independence refer to a number of conflicts between Scotland and England, over the ruling of Scotland.

The Wars of Scottish Independence consist of two different wars, the First War and the Second War. These can be broken up into further categories, separating them by their leaders or events.

The first part of the Wars of Scottish independence began in 1296 and ended in 1328. The second war began shortly after in 1332 and lasted until 1357.

There are an infinite number of reasons behind these two conflicts, but a smaller number of key reason played roles in both the begging and conclusion of these was.

The first of the Wars of Scottish Independence had its beginnings in 1290, when Scotland was left with no monarch after the death of Margaret, Maid of Norway. In order to prevent a Civil War betweent he claimants to the crown, Edward I of England was asked to come and arbitrate. Edward I agreed, but under the condition that he be made the Lord Paramount of Scotland whilst doing the job. Once this had been granted he went about amassing more power for himself by ordering that all Scottish castles be placed under his control “on a temporary basis” and that all officials step down and be reinstated by him. Once this was done only a small number were kept.

The first of the Wars of Scottish Independence began then; it was ended in 1328 when the Treaty of Edinburgh was signed, after the defeat of Edwards’s forces.

The second part of the Wars of Scottish Independence began after the death of Robert the Bruce, as the heir, his son, was too young to rule. Edward III saw this as an opportunity to take Scotland at a time of weakness. Although this campaign, like the first one did not yield in victory for the English and Scotland stayed a free state.