Reasons For and Against the Act of Union 1707
The Act of Union 1707 was a significant event in British history, merging Scotland and England into a single kingdom. This page outlines the key reasons both for and against this historic union.
Reasons For Union
Scotland stood to gain several benefits from joining England in a union. Economically, it would open up trade opportunities with England and its colonies, helping to recover from the financial losses of the Darien scheme. The union also promised to end the Navigation Acts, allowing Scotland to trade freely with English colonies, which was expected to boost Scotland's economy significantly.
Highlight: The economic benefits of union were a major factor in Scotland's decision to join with England.
Security was another crucial reason for union. By becoming part of Great Britain, Scotland would gain protection against future invasions and reduce the threat of 'Popery' (Catholic influence). The union would establish a Protestant royal family in Scotland, offering security to Protestants.
Definition: 'Popery' refers to the perceived threat of Catholic influence in Protestant countries.
Political advantages were also considered. The union would give Scottish politicians the opportunity to be part of the court in London, potentially increasing their influence. Additionally, it would resolve the issue of royal succession, as the Hanoverian line would be established for Great Britain as a whole.
Vocabulary: The Hanoverian line refers to the Protestant royal dynasty that succeeded to the British throne after Queen Anne.
Reasons Against Union
Despite the potential benefits, there were significant arguments against the union. Many Scots were concerned about losing their political voice due to the English majority in the new British Parliament. They feared that British Parliament would always favor English interests over Scottish ones.
Quote: "Scotland would merely become 'North Britain' with little say."
There were also strong cultural and identity-based objections. Scotland had always been an independent nation, and many did not want to sacrifice this independence. Some worried that union would threaten their identity and that Scotland would simply become a part of England.
Economic concerns also played a role in opposition to the union. Scots were worried that British Parliament would favor English trade and manufacturers over Scottish interests. There were also fears about having to adopt English currency, weights, and measures, as well as concerns about increased taxation.
Example: The fear of losing Scottish systems was exemplified by the reluctance to adopt English currency and measurements.
Religious concerns were another factor. Many feared that the Scottish church would lose its power and influence, and that the Anglican Church of England would be imposed upon Scotland.
Highlight: The potential impact on the Scottish church was a significant concern for many opponents of union.
Public opposition to the union was evident in riots that took place in Edinburgh and Glasgow, demonstrating the depth of feeling against the proposed changes.
