Alexander III and the Succession Problem Flashcards
What span of years did the succession problem occur?
1286-1292
What are 3 arguments relating to SCOTLAND’S ECONOMY that suggest Alexander’s rule was golden?
- Overseas exports increased
- Burghs expanded with more developed economies
- More coinage was used
What are 3 arguments relating to SCOTLAND’S ECONOMY that suggest Alexander’s rule wasn’t golden?
- Economy was narrowly based on wool
- Burghs were still small in size
- No sudden increase in coinage
What are 3 arguments relating to ALEXANDER’S AUTHORITY that suggest his rule was golden?
- No major uprisings from nobles during his reign
- Use of Gaelic culture to create a Scottish identity
- 36 years of reign which gave Scotland stability
What are 2 arguments relating to ALEXANDER’S AUTHORITY that suggest his rule wasn’t golden?
- Nobles still had lots of power
- All of his heirs died
What were 2 things Alexander did to protect Scotland after his son’s death?
- Re-married to Yolanda of Dreux
- He got his nobles to swear support to his grand-daughter, the Maid of Norway
Why were the actions taken after Alexander’s son’s death not enough to protect Scotland?
The nobles were half-hearted in swearing fealty as they thought Alexander would have more heirs
What does it mean to pay “homage”?
Where a vassal publicly submits to their overlord, signified by physical contact (e.g. a sword on the shoulders)
What significant event in the Anglo-Scottish relationship occurred in 1278?
- In the past, English kings had claimed they were the overlords of Scotland
- In 1278, Alexander refused to pay homage to Edward for Scotland
When was Balliol coronated?
- 30th November 1292
- St Andrew’s Day
Where was Balliol coronated?
- Scone Palace
- Stone of Destiny
What was the warning Edward gave Balliol?
If Balliol didn’t govern justly, Edward would intervene
How did Bruce react to Balliol being chosen as king?
- He transferred his claim + earldom to his heir, Robert the Bruce
- Refused to submit to Balliol
How did Bruce discredit himself from getting the crown?
- He was really aggressive when Alexander + Margaret died
- He took castles + land
What did future Scottish kings claim about Balliol?
- Edward only chose Balliol because he was weaker + easier to manipulate
(this isn’t true as Balliol was the last claimant to pay homage to Edward)
What was Bruce’s argument for being king?
- Proximity; closest to the bloodline (he was one generation older than Balliol)
- Typically a Gaelic tradition
What was Balliol’s argument for being king?
- Primogenitary; senior bloodline (Balliol descended from the eldest child)
- More common in England + modern Scotland
What are 3 arguments relating to FOREIGN RELATIONS that suggest Alexander’s rule was golden?
- Scotland gained control over Western Isles + Isle of Man in the Treaty of Perth, 1266
- Good relation with England through intermarriage
- Close personal relationship between Alexander + Edward
What are 2 arguments relating to FOREIGN RELATIONS that suggest Alexander’s rule wasn’t golden?
- Upset the Western Isles
- Norway kept control over Orkney + Shetland
When did Edward pause the decision of who was to be king and why?
- Between August 1291 to June 1292
- To allow Florence, Count of Holland, to gather evidence to support his claim
Who did Edward appoint as a new guardian?
Brian FitzAlan
How long did Edward give the guardians to consider his demand for overlordship?
3 weeks
How did the guardians respond?
They claimed only a king could make the decision to pay homage and they had no king
What was the Award of Norham?
- Edward demanded all claimants pay homage to him
When did the Award of Norham end by?
12th June 1291
How many claimants submitted to Edward?
- 9 claimants
- Bruce submitted first
- Balliol submitted last
How did Edward’s auditors vote?
The majority voted for Balliol
Who was officially chosen to be King of Scots and when?
- Edward chose Balliol
- 17th November 1292
“Edward was one of the auditors”
True or False?
- False
- He claimed to be a spokesman
How many of Bruce’s auditors went against him?
29 went against Bruce
How did Balliol’s auditors vote?
All of them voted for Balliol