The Succession Problem

Question 1

Reason No.1

Answer 1

The first reason for the succession problem was the death of Alexander II of Scotland in 1286. This was an important reason as he left no male heir to carry on his name.

Question 2

Reason No.2

Answer 2

Another reason for the succession problem was the death of Alexander II’s children: Alexander, Margaret and David. This was an important reason as there was no direct blood connections to Alexander II.

Question 3

Reason No.3

Answer 3

One important reason for the succession problem was the Treaty of Birgham of 1290. This was an important reason as the marriage between Margaret, maid of Norway and King Edward I’s son - Edward, prince of Wales, he secured a relationship with England. This was an important reason as there raised concerns for the independence of Scotland.

Question 4

Reason No. 4

Answer 4

Another important reason for the succession problem was the guardians and other leading Scots that took an oath of fealty to Edward I. This was an important reason as Scottish nobility were forced to recognise King Edward as overlord. This raised many concerns for the independence of Scotland.

Question 5

Reason No. 5

Answer 5

One important reason for the succession problem was the surviving blood of Alexander II. His granddaughter - Margaret, maid of Norway was the only blood connection he had within that generation. This was an important reason as there was no possible way of a Queen to rule Scotland in her own right. The succession of a female, even as an adult brought potential difficulties.

Question 6

Reason No. 6

Answer 6

Another important reason for the succession problem was the Comyn and Bruce factions. This was an important reason as it feared Scotland would go into civil war.

Question 7

Reason No. 7

Answer 7

One important reason for the succession problem was the problem that arose over the succession after the death of Margaret, maid of Norway in 1290. This was an important reason as there was no obvious heir of the kingdom of Scotland.

Question 8

Reason No. 8

Answer 8

Another important reason for the succession problem is that Bishop William Fraser wrote to Edward I asking for help to avoid the threat of civil war. This was an important reason as the guardians compromised the independence of Scotland by asking for advice and protection.