A Brief History
Today, on September 18, 2014, Scotland is voting either yes or no on the topic of independence from Great Britain and the United Kingdom. Only a simple majority vote is needed, that means 50% + one person.
Update: As of July, 2020, Scotland is still part of the UK, although the Brexit fiasco looms over the union and the issue of the independence of Scotland is still a realistic possibility at some point.
Digging Deeper
Formally united in 1707 by the Act of Union which was ratified by both the English and Scottish parliaments, Scotland is now seeking to break that bond.
When asked what role the Queen would have in a new, independent Scotland, Alex Salmond, the First Minister of Scotland and proponent of the Yes Scotland campaign, said that Elizabeth II would automatically become Queen of Scotland, just as she is also Queen of Canada and Australia.
What many people do not know, however, is that there is another contender, one who in Scottish terms, might even have a better claim.
To understand this situation, one has to go back 413 years to when Queen Elizabeth I died. Without any children of her own, upon her death the English throne was given to a cousin who happened to also be King of Scotland. Though James Stuart called himself “King of Great Britain,” he was, in fact, king of two independent countries – Scotland and England. Of Scotland he was James VI; of England he was James I. This went well (relatively speaking) until 1688 when James II’s wife, Mary of Modena, gave birth to a son. By this time, Scotland and England were both primarily Protestant countries, and the birth of a Catholic heir was viewed as a threat. Unrests followed, and in what became known as the Glorious Revolution, James II was ousted from his throne by his Protestant son-in-law and daughter, William and Mary, and forced to live in exile in France. It was from there, that James II and his son, James Francis Edward Stuart, who became known as the “Old Pretender” would try to rouse up troops and the support of their followers, the Jacobites, to regain their thrones. Neither of them was successful.
The most success was experienced by the eldest son of the “Old Pretender,” Charles Edward Louis Stuart, who was appropriately called the “Young Pretender.” Also known as “Bonnie Prince Charlie,” he led the Jacobite Rising of 1745 in which Scottish highlanders and clans joined together to restore the Stuarts to the throne after it had been given to the Hanoverians. The Jacobites, however, were crushed by British troops at the Battle of Culloden near Inverness, Scotland. The reason the Hanoverians were in power was because during the reign of Queen Anne, another daughter of James II, the Act of Succession was passed in 1702 to ensure that no Catholic could ever inherit the throne of Great Britain. This effectively barred the remaining Stuart line from assuming power and gave it to their German cousins, instead. The “Young Pretender” had no surviving legitimate children, so at the death of his own younger brother, the Jacobite succession reverted to the descendents of Henrietta of England, a sister of James II, who had married into the French royal family.
The person who currently has the best Jacobite claim is Franz, Duke of Bavaria, head of the House of Wittelsbach. As such, he is known as King Francis II within the Jacobite community. He, himself, does not comment on his status and to date has not pursued his claim and is happy with his wiener dogs. In fact, at his recent 80th birthday celebration, 6 Dachshund kennel clubs paraded past him in his honor.
Whatever the outcome of the Scottish independence referendum, Scotland will most likely keep Elizabeth II as its Queen as there have been no rumors of plans to replace her. Of course, who is to say what might happen should a monarch who is less agreeable follow her?
What might change with a break from England would be the currency for Scotland and the design and name of the British flag, the Union Jack, which was the flags of both England and Scotland superimposed on one another. Everything else can be read in Alex Salmond’s 667-page publication titled “Scotland’s Future – Your Guide to an Independent Scotland,” in his words, the “most comprehensive blueprint for an independent country ever published.” 667 pages?! Now that is dedication and commitment to a cause. Halfway through, one is probably just about ready to give him any king or queen he wants.
Question for students (and subscribers): Should Scotland be independent? Please let us know in the comments section below this article.
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For another interesting event that happened on September 18, please see the History and Headlines article: “September 18, 2001: Terror by Mail – Will Your Next Piece of Mail Kill You? (The Anthrax Scare).”
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Historical Evidence
For more information, please see…
Cochrane, Alan. Scottish Independence: Yes or No (The Great Debate). The History Press, 2014.
Knox, William. Scottish History For Dummies. For Dummies, 2014.
<span class="dsq-postid" data-dsqidentifier="5114 http://www.crackedhistory.com/?p=5114">46 Comments
If this does happen it will be huge! I cant wait to see how it turns out.
This will certainly be an interesting course of events. It could change a lot for the people if Scotland, or not much at all.
If he has the right to this throne, even if he is down the line a little bit, what is keeping him from taking it. Plus he could use his history and ancestry on nobility to further his cause if he so wanted I’m sure.
Very interesting! Only time will tell until we can fully see the outcome for the people of Scotland.
I just don’t get why the Scottish would want to keep the queen if they are voting to become separate from England.
It is fascinating that even in today’s world, countries are forming from either territories or from succession after so long. I believe ultimately that it would be best for Scotland to stay for economic reasons.
If this does really happen it will be very big! Excited to see what will come out of it
This is so interesting! I would not be surprised if he fought for the throne since they are separating, but I guess time will tell.
It is exciting and nerve wracking to know it could be just one vote that keeps them joined or separates them. -AD
Hopefully a great day for Scotland! Everyone will be on the edge of their seats until the vote is announced. Very exciting times ahead.
I find this very interesting considering I did not even know that Scotland is a territory of England. But either way it doesn’t sound like much will change for the Queen.
Actually had no idea Scotland and England were related in that way. I know very little about these types of things so this was definitely an interesting read.
FREEEEDOM!!
It shall be interesting to see the outcome of the vote.
It’s a very important day for Scotland!! I’m very interested to see the outcome.
I would not like to be the 50% + one person. Hopefully, it is a true majority in this case! — DAVID WARDLE
While it does not seem like much will change, at least in regards to the way in which the relationship between Scotland and England works, it is nonetheless very interesting to think about how two countries who have been together for over 300 years may now become different entities. This day could very well turn out to be one remembered by historians everywhere.
It is so crazy that one vote can change the status of England and Scotland for how we know it today! Very excited to see what happens
I think it’s pretty interesting that even today in a society that we would probably call “the most civilized,” that we still have people arguing over independence of their country. It’s pretty cool how the mindset of humans in the ancient world was conquer or be conquered and many different ancient societies competed over land and resources. Now our mindset seems to be the exact opposite with many countries fighting for independence. As a species, our mindset seems to have shifted from a cold, objective kill or be killed mentality to a more compassionate and considerate point of view. The potential independence of Scotland is not only a huge feat for the country, but a signal for our more progressive way of thought for the future.
It’ll definitely be a huge stepping stone not just for Scotland but for other countries as well I think. It could pose for other countries to follow Scotland’s lead and declare their own as well.
I think that Scotland should push for independence. This event would be something very beneficial for the rest of the world to watch and learn from as it plays out. Scotland’s independence would show how strong a country like Scotland could be.
It will be very interesting to see how the votes go!
That’s really interesting and it will be exciting to see what happens!
I have a few friends from Scotland and they are hopeful of an outcome where Scotland gains their independence. This would sure make history if Scotland became an independent nation.
I had no idea that the Queen was also the Queen of Australia. I am also curious to see how the voting turns out.
Very interesting topic. I would want to see what happens.
When I was in Europe, I met some Scottish people, and they told me how they hate England and want independence. Most people think Scotland is its own nation, and in fact do not know that it is really under English rule.
I did not know Scotland was a part of Great Britain and I found it very odd that Queen Elizabeth II is also the Queen of Australia and Canada. That seems like a lot of power.
This is ironic you had us read about this today because I just heard about the voting for Scotland’s independence. I was not aware that this is actually a present issue.
This makes you wonder who the rightful ruler of Scotland should be
Before reading this article I didn’t know that Scotland was united with Great Britain and the United Kingdom. It’s great to see that they are trying to declare independence and I’m interested to see how things work out.
I had no idea that Queen Elizabeth II was Queen of Canada and Australia. Interesting. I knew that Scotland was part of the UK. The people of Scotland should do what they want. They should consider any repercussions that may come with it however. They would have to form their own currency and other things, but independence might be nice.
I’m thinking they won’t gain their independence. Most countries that were seek their independence were doing so because of wrongs committed against them. As far as I know, Scotland and England are on good terms. I just don’t think there will be enough push for independence.
There is no turmoil between Scotland and Great Britain, so the separation seems unlikely to me. I Can not imagine what Alex Salmond could possibly write over 600 pages about on this topic, however, I believe that there has to be a far more rewarding incentive for this split then distinguished coins and a new flag.
I honestly don’t think that Scotland will gain its independence. First off, as far as I know, they do not have any parliament or government set up. If their intentions are to make Queen Elizabeth II the Queen over Scotland, then I see no point in breaking away from Great Britain for good. The only major change would be their economy, and if they’re going to be on their own, it might be a little rocky for awhile.
I agree with Angelina. I do not believe they have the right tools set up to govern their own country. They are creating more trouble for themselves than it would be worth if Queen Elizabeth II would still be their Queen.
I think that if Scotland decides to claim independence from England it is a decision that should be supported by all. It could really be argued that the two locations are culturally different enough from one another that they have been looked at by outside nations as independent countries already. Signing the paperwork just makes it official. It wouldn’t change much in the world because I feel like Scotland would generally align themselves with the UK anyways
The queen being more of a symbol than anything, I think that it’s great that they have chosen to keep her in that position. I’ve only read up a little on the Scotland succession from England. I think it’s a great idea. Most of the opposition seems to be about Scotland’s finances. I also believe that many may feel that England’s global economic power or status in the global community might take a hit. I personally believe that it’s just something different and people will have to get used to it.
I find it interesting that James Stuart was known as two different names in England and in Scotland.
I also think it was interesting that Scotland decided against independence from England, but they have much more power staying with England.
I really wonder how many different topics that 667 page plan covers. It seems like there is not much to go off of when it comes to talking about an independent Scotland.
I didn’t know that Queen Elizabeth was also the Queen in Australia. I think it would be great for becoming independent from Great Britain, but there will be so much work that has to be done. I personally think that this is all talk and will never happen since there’s no important reason for the independence. It all sounds great on paper and talking about it, but they won’t be about!
I did not know that Queen Elizabeth was also queen of Australia!?
It was news to me that she was also the queen of Australia!
Coming from my relatively uninformed perspective, I don’t personally see much of a point in the break. Then again, from what little I know of politics, Governments require efforts in pointless directions.
I had no idea that Scottland was part of Great Britain a long with everyone else so thats new information to me. I would like to see them gain independence but I don’t think it would actually get to that point, but hey anything is possible these days
Queen Elizabeth is queen of many places. It is amazing that Scotland wanted their independence even though Queen Elizabeth will probably still be their queen.