Issue 3 - Reasons for passing Act of Union

Question 1

Changing Attitude of England

Answer 1

Alien Act passed:
All Scots treated as foreigners in England and key Scottish trade with England would be banned unless negotiations began by December 25th 1705.

Question 2

Role of the Commissioners

Answer 2

Duke of Hamilton let Queen Anne choose Commissioners even though he was against Union.
Pro-Union majority on Commission

Question 3

Passage of Union by Scottish Parliament

Answer 3

91 petitions opposing Union
Almost a year and only 4/25 articles passed
Amendments made - taxation low, Act of Security of the Church of Scotland (Presbyterian nature of the Kirk)

Question 4

Political Management

Answer 4

Duke of Argyll returned from army in Flanders to support Court Part and vote for Union. Promoted to major-general.
John Clerk of Penicuik made Baron of Scottish Court and Exchequer for his support.
Earls or Montrose and Roxburgh received £200 and £500 each.
‘The Equivalent’ was a huge sum of money to compensate Scots and especially Darien’s investors.

Question 5

Weakness of Opposition

Answer 5

Country Party and Jacobite’s opposed Union for different reasons - Jacobite’s wanted Catholic monarch, Country Party supported Presbyterianism.
Leader, Duke of Hamilton was indecisive and weak.

Question 6

English Intimidation

Answer 6

Risk of English invasion
Economic intimidation