THE ACT OF UNION 1707

Описание: wo laws:

Union with Scotland Act (1706) – passed by the English Parliament

Union with England Act (1707) – passed by the Scottish Parliament

These acts dissolved both parliaments and created one Parliament at Westminster.

Why did it happen?
Political reasons

England wanted to secure the Protestant succession and prevent Scotland from choosing a different (possibly Catholic) monarch.

Fear that Scotland could ally with France, England’s enemy.

Economic reasons

Scotland was weakened after the failure of the Darien Scheme (1690s).

Union gave Scotland access to English colonies and trade networks.

English pressure

The Alien Act (1705) threatened economic sanctions if Scotland refused union.

Key terms of the Union

One monarch and one parliament

Free trade between England and Scotland

Scotland kept:

Its legal system

Its education system

The Presbyterian Church of Scotland

Scotland received financial compensation known as “The Equivalent”

Consequences
Short-term

Strong opposition and riots in Scotland

Loss of Scotland’s independent parliament

Long-term

Economic growth in Scotland through imperial trade

Creation of Great Britain as a major world power

Ongoing debate about Scottish identity and independence (still relevant today)