Scotland 1688-1730

1. Reasons why Scots supported James II

1.1. He was a Stuart, from the ancient Scottish royal family

1.2. He was still legally king according to Scottish law

1.3. Scotland had not been consulted about the invitation to become king from members of parliament to William of Orange

2. Reasons why Scots supported William

2.1. He was Protestant, like most Scots, and James's attempts to increase rights for Catholics had been unpopular

2.2. He was ruling jointly with his wife Mary, who was James' daughter and therefore also a Stuart from the Scottish royal family

3. Claim of Right

3.1. 1689

3.2. Scottish parliament backed William in a "Claim of Right"

3.3. This blamed James for the troubles and said that no Catholic could ever be king again

4. Harvests failed

4.1. There was severe famines

4.2. Between 1/5 and 1/3 of the population died or emigrated to Northan Ireland and America

5. English economic policies

5.1. This held back and damaged Scotland by preventing Scottish ships from being involved in trade to England and the Colonies overseas.

5.2. England's involvement in foreign wars meant that trade with much of Europe was often cut off

5.3. 2 powerful English companies (EIC and RAC) were granted a monopoly of trade, in goods and enslaving people, with India and Africa

5.3.1. Scottish companies had no access to this trade. This was called the NAVIGATION ACT

6. Highlanders

6.1. Native Gaelic-speaking

6.2. Had own culture and warrior tradition

6.3. They hated and feared the Lowlanders

7. Lowlanders

7.1. Thought poorly of Highlanders

7.2. They were English-speaking

7.3. Dominated Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh

8. William, determined to prevent a repeat of the rebellion, organised a military occupation of the Highlanders

8.1. This was centered on a new army base he called Fort William

9. Murder By Trust

9.1. The king of England and his representatives in Edinburgh wanted to make an example of one of the Highlander clans

9.2. Scottish parliament condemned the action

9.3. London government tried to hide who was responsible. Nobody was ever punished

9.4. The McDonalds were massacred at Glencoe in 1692 because their leader was a day late to take an oath of allegiance to the Scottish parliament/William

9.4.1. The Chiefs (Maclain) delayed signature gave them an excuse to do so

10. Unequal Relationship with England

10.1. Scotland was neglected by the king who lived in London

10.2. They were dragged into their foreign wars

10.3. Scotland was poor partly because of this and became increasingly poor.