Scottish Wars of Independence

Question 0

What were some of the problems that occurred after the death of Alexander III?

Answer 0

~only heir to the throne was Maid of Norway
~King Edward I became Scotland’s overlord
~The Great Cause
~civil war between the Bruce’s and Comyn’s

Question 1

Give reasons why the Scots won the Battle of Stirling Bridge

Answer 1

~English leader overslept
~terrain
~William Wallace
~overconfidence of the English army

Question 2

Disadvantages of Maid of Norway as queen

Answer 2

~can't yet talk
~uneducated
~can't reproduce any time soon
~thought that woman are very weak
~she is half-Norwegian 
~doesn't speak English
~too young too rule
~unable to protect people
~easy target

Question 3

Why was King Edward I a good choice to be the judge of the Great Cause?

Answer 3

~powerful enough to keep order
~at this time, a friend to Scotland
~an expert in law
~experienced - he had settled similar claims
~unbiased outsider, not related to any of the competition

Question 4

What were some of the events that lead to Edward I becoming the overlord of Scotland?

Answer 4

~Maid of Norway dying
~he was asked to judge the Great Cause
~he pretended to be Scotland's friend
~Bishop Fraser invited him to Scotland 
~Scotland had no heir to the throne

Question 5

How did Edward I interfere with Balliol’s rule as king?

Answer 5

~humiliating ceremonies
~law appeals
~Edwards temper
~war with France

Question 6

Why did Edward I target Berwick?

Answer 6

~it was Scotland’s largest and richest town
~destroying it would damage the Scottish economy and would limit Scotland’s ability to wage war
~it was easy to reach by land and sea for the English as it was on the border