The Wars of Scottish Independence (1296–1357)

The Wars of Scottish Independence were a series of military campaigns fought between Scotland and England during the late 13th and early 14th centuries. These wars played a crucial role in shaping Scottish national identity and securing Scotland’s status as an independent kingdom. Spanning over 60 years, the conflict was marked by legendary figures such as William Wallace and Robert the Bruce, decisive battles like Stirling Bridge and Bannockburn, and political intrigue that extended beyond the battlefield.

Background and Causes

The root of the Wars of Scottish Independence can be traced back to the death of Alexander III of Scotland in 1286. With no direct male heir, the Scottish throne faced a succession crisis. The designated heir, Margaret, Maid of Norway, died in 1290, leading to a dispute among multiple claimants to the throne. In 1292, King Edward I of England was invited to arbitrate and chose John Balliol as King of Scotland. However, Edward saw himself as Scotland’s overlord and undermined Balliol’s authority, leading to Scottish resistance.

In 1296, Edward I invaded Scotland, deposed John Balliol, and took control of the kingdom. This marked the beginning of the First War of Scottish Independence.

First War of Scottish Independence (1296–1328)

Early Scottish Resistance and the Rise of Wallace (1296-1298)

Following Balliol’s removal, Edward installed English officials to govern Scotland, which sparked resentment and rebellion. Two key figures, William Wallace and Andrew de Moray, led an uprising in 1297, successfully defeating the English at the Battle of Stirling Bridge. The victory was significant as it demonstrated that the English army could be defeated using superior tactics, including strategic positioning and the use of the terrain.

Wallace was later appointed Guardian of Scotland, effectively acting as the country’s leader in defiance of English rule. However, in 1298, Edward I personally led an army against Wallace and inflicted a crushing defeat at the Battle of Falkirk. Wallace resigned as Guardian and was eventually captured in 1305, executed in London, and declared a traitor to England. His brutal execution only fueled Scottish resistance.

Robert the Bruce and the Struggle for the Throne (1306-1314)

In 1306, a new leader emerged: Robert the Bruce. He dramatically changed the course of Scottish history when he killed his rival, John Comyn, in a church and declared himself King of Scots. His early attempts to resist English rule were met with severe setbacks, and he was forced into hiding. However, by 1307, he launched a guerrilla war against English forces, gradually reclaiming territory in Scotland.

Bruce’s most significant victory came at the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314. With a smaller force, Bruce used clever tactics to defeat King Edward II’s English army. Bannockburn was a decisive battle that solidified Bruce’s control over Scotland and severely weakened English influence in the region.

The Declaration of Arbroath and Recognition of Independence (1320-1328)

Despite the military successes, England refused to acknowledge Scottish independence. In 1320, Scottish nobles drafted the Declaration of Arbroath, a letter to the Pope asserting Scotland’s right to self-rule. The document famously stated that Scotland’s people would rather die than live under English domination.

In 1328, after years of continued warfare and political maneuvering, Edward III of England signed the Treaty of Edinburgh-Northampton, recognizing Scotland’s independence and Robert the Bruce as its rightful king. This effectively ended the First War of Scottish Independence.

Second War of Scottish Independence (1332–1357)

Although Scotland had won its independence, stability was short-lived. When Robert the Bruce died in 1329, his young son, David II, inherited the throne. Taking advantage of Scotland’s perceived weakness, Edward Balliol, son of John Balliol, with support from England, attempted to reclaim the Scottish crown.

Edward Balliol’s Invasion and English Interference (1332-1341)

In 1332, Edward Balliol, with backing from King Edward III of England, launched an invasion and won a surprise victory at the Battle of Dupplin Moor. Balliol briefly took the Scottish throne but was quickly expelled. However, with continued English support, he staged further invasions, plunging Scotland into another prolonged conflict.

David II, still a young king, fled to France for safety while Scotland’s nobles continued the fight against English-backed forces. Sir Andrew Murray and later Robert Stewart (future Robert II of Scotland) led Scottish resistance efforts. In 1341, David II returned to Scotland and took direct control of the war effort.

The Capture of David II and the Treaty of Berwick (1346-1357)

In 1346, David II invaded England in an attempt to aid France, which was engaged in the Hundred Years’ War against England. However, he was defeated and captured at the Battle of Neville’s Cross. The Scottish king was imprisoned in England for 11 years, during which Scotland was governed by regents.

By 1357, Scotland and England negotiated the Treaty of Berwick, securing David II’s release in exchange for a massive ransom. Though Scotland remained technically independent, it faced economic hardship due to the heavy reparations owed to England.

Aftermath and Legacy

The Wars of Scottish Independence firmly established Scotland’s sovereignty, despite continued threats from England in the years that followed. The conflicts shaped Scotland’s national identity and were later romanticized in literature, poetry, and folklore.

Some key consequences of the wars include:

  • The recognition of Scottish independence from England, which lasted until the Union of the Crowns in 1603 and the later Acts of Union in 1707.
  • The emergence of the Stewart dynasty, which would later rule both Scotland and England.
  • The development of Scottish military tactics, which influenced later conflicts.
  • The rise of Scottish nationalism, which continues to play a role in political discourse today.

Conclusion

The Wars of Scottish Independence were among the most defining conflicts in Scottish history. What started as a struggle for the throne evolved into a fierce resistance movement against English rule. Figures like William Wallace and Robert the Bruce became national heroes, immortalized in Scottish history and culture. Though the wars officially ended in 1357, their impact reverberated for centuries, shaping Scotland’s relationship with England and its sense of national identity.

Today, the memory of these wars lives on, celebrated in films, literature, and Scottish heritage, serving as a reminder of Scotland’s fight for freedom and self-determination.