Scotland - Arguments For Union Flashcards
How would Union with England give Scot’s more equal influence?
- Union with England would give Scots more equal influence on the monarch because the royal court had moved to England.
- Scottish officials would now be posted in London rather than Edinburgh
Would Scotland be regarded as a equal to england in terms of trade?
Scotland would now be considered an equal with England in regards to trade, rather than as a competitor
Would Scotland be able to compete with international rivals now unionised with England?
Scotland would now be able to compete with international rivals and similar sized countries such as Holland, Spain and France with support from England
What is a benefit for jobs and careers for unionisation with Scotland?
- Jobs and careers in the Empire would become available. Such as roles in the army.
How is Scottish Nobility as a argument for union with England?
- The Scottish nobility (wealthy landowners) were the most anglicised Scots who had the least fears about union and had a lot to gain as the union guaranteed the traditional powers of the landed classes.
- Union may also see the value of their property increase.
What was the benefit of Scotland unionising with England through the army?
- Through union, Scotland would be able to count on the protection of the English army and navy if ever involved in conflict.
- It was thought it would be easier to defend one united country.
How was religion an argument for unionising with England?
- Protestantism and Protestant succession were secured in a full union.
- This ended fears about the Church of Scotland’s status.
How is union a good thing for avoiding the Alien Act?
- Union would avoid the Alien Act of 1705 being reintroduced which would have banned Scottish exports to England if union was not agreed.
How would union offer security for the whole island?
- Union offered security for the whole island.
- This removed a threat from a Scottish/French alliance and/or Jacobite invasion.
How was union a good way to recover the weak Scottish economy?
- Union was seen as the only way for the weak Scottish economy to recover from the bad experiences of the 1690s.
How would Scotland’s economy improve by giving access to colonies?
- Scotland’s economy would improve through Union by giving access to the American colonies.
- Article 4 = Free the UK and all British colonies received the biggest support from the Scottish Parliament, especially since Scotland could not successfully build their own Empire.
Why did Scottish landowners support union?
- Some Scottish wealthy landowners (eg Seton of Pitmedden) supported union as they did not fully understand the Scottish economy and the success of their illegal overseas trade.
Did Scotland and England have common interests due to geographical proximity?
- Scotland and England had shared common interests due to their geographical proximity, shared culture and religion suggesting that union was common-sense for development and to protect this shared culture.
