The sucession Problem/ direct answers & Key Issue Flashcards
The sucession problem
March 1286 Alexander III killed at Kinghorn - ended the male line of the Royal family of Canmore.
Important because primogeniture cannot be used - creates uncertainty - unclear who will rule Scotland
The guardians
April 1286 parliament at Scone appoints 6 Guardians who swore to rule whilst putting aside individual benefit.
Important because showed impressive maturity by the Community of the Realm to put the national interest ahead of their individual ambitions.
The maid of norway
Confirmed that under the ‘Tailzie’ Margaret Maid of Norway was Alexander’s successor.
Important because it made Scotland vulnerable. As an infant girl Regent to rule for her until she became old enough. Regent may rule in his own interests.
The threat of civil war
1286-7 - increasing tensions between rival Bruce and Comyn/ Balliol families - Guardians feared a civil war, increased defences of key castles Edinburgh / Stirling .
Important because became vital to settle the question of the succession to the throne quickly or else Scotland faced the prospect of a brutal civil war.
The treaty of sailsbury
1289 - Refers to wedding plans for the Margaret Maid of Norway who should arrive in Scotland ‘free of any contract of marriage’.
Important because Edward was given an excuse to interfere in Scottish affairs - supposedly to protect Margaret from Scottish instability and the threat of civil war.
The treaty of birgham
July/August 1290 - a marriage treaty of Margaret Maid of Norway to Edward, Prince of Wales, Edward I’s son and heir.
Important because it seemed to solve the succession crisis and prevent civil war. The Guardians were also able to argue that the Treaty showed that Edward I agreed to the future independence of Scotland.
The death of the maid of norway
1290 death in Orkney signals renewed tensions between Bruce’s and Balliol’s allies - Guardians again fear civil war.
Important because it resurrected the prospect of an internal, Civil War with no clear and obvious heir to the throne.
Scottish appeals
Appeals were wrote to edward I pleading him to intervene to prevent civil war in Scotland.
Important because would later lead to demands for recognition of his authority over the Scottish realm. In other words, Edward as overlord.
Edwards political manouvering
Edward out-maneuvered the Scots both politically and legally - critically he compelled the competitors to swear loyalty to him BEFORE he made his final judgement.
Important because it allowed him to demand that the Scots recognise him as their overlord, and therefore legal superior.
Edwards legal judgment
Edward became increasingly assertive, revealing his true ambitions of overlordship.
Important because the Guardians swore an oath recognising his authority and by forcing Balliol to accept Edward as his overlord, it enables Edward to appoint a King of Scotland he knows he can control and exerts his authority over from the very beginning of John’s reign.
