The Scottish Wars ofIndependence consisted of two war that took place between England and Scotland
during the first half of the 12^th century.

The First Scottish War ofIndependence began in 1296 and lasted until 1328. After a
short period of peace in Scotland, the second War of Independence began in 1332
and lasted until 1357. These events are significant for many who wish to learn
about their families' history or about Scotland and England. I am of Scottish
descent and have an ancestor who played a significant role in the First
Scottish War of Independence. Sir Simon Frazier was an important ally and
supporter of Robert the Bruce and commanded some battles against the English.

The First Scottish War ofIndependence was a great national crisis for Scotland. However, the term
"War of Independence" did not exist then.
The war was not originally given that name. The war was named centuries later
when the American War of Independence made the term war famous. The First
Scottish War of Independence was significant for future wars, with the creation
of the longbow as a weapon in medieval warfare. Even with the First Scottish
War of Independence holding importance today, we must first understand what the
war was, what people had important roles, and how the war and people (including
commoners, aristocrats, upper, middle, and lower class, soldiers, and workers)
were affected in the countries during that time and in the aftermath. The first
war of Scottish Independence from England began in 1296 and lasted until 1328;
many
battles took place. Both Scotland and England suffered losses and rejoiced in
victories.

As with the first war,the second held just as much significance over the involved countries and
proved to be another round of hardships for the people in such a period of
peace. Many notable battles took place, as well as significant political
events. The second war began in 1332 and lasted until 1357. The most mentioned
reason behind the second war was due to lingering issues from the first war.

The First and SecondScottish Wars of Independence are significant for British and
Scottish history. They were a way for Scotland to solidify their identity as a
distinct nation with their successful resistance to England's domination. The
Scottish demonstrated the effectiveness of guerilla warfare against a more
extensive, heavily armed army like the English. With the defeat against
England, Scotland could maintain their political system and sovereignty. The
events of the Scottish Wars of Independence resonate today, reminding the
Scottish people of resilience in the face of oppression.

This research mainlyfocuses on the conflict's political, social, and military
aspects. How did Alexander III's death create an opportunity for Edward I to
attack Scotland for control? What were the reasons behind WilliamWallaces'
rebellion against England? How did the military tactics of Robert the Bruce and
William Wallace differ? What was the extent of support or opposition of the
Scottish nobility when it came to the Wars, and how did the allegiances change
throughout the conflict? How did the Wars of Independence influence the
development of a distinct Scottish national identity and sense of Unity? What
role did the churches play in Scotland and England? How were the ordinary
people impacted, including economic disruption and social unrest, and what was
the impact on rural communities? What were the key battles of the Scottish Wars
of Independence, and what tactics were used by both sides? How did the use of
guerilla warfare tactics by the Scottish against the English prove beneficial?
In what ways did the terrain of Scotland give them leverage over the English?
In what way did the Treaty of Edinburgh-Northampton officially recognize
Scotland as Independent, and what were the lasting implications of this
agreement on Anglo-Scottish relations? What was the legacy of the Scottish? Wars
of Independence, both political and social, in the years that followed? To what
extent did the events of the Wars of Independence contribute to the ongoing
debate about Scottish Independence in the modern era?

The primary methods usedfor research were sources and documents available through
an internet search and digitization of other papers, like the Treaty of
Edinburgh-Northampton 1328. New techniques I will use include journals,
family papers, church documents, letters, and other non-digitized records only
available in person. I will conduct interviews with other historians who have
researched the wars and have specialized in the era in which the wars took
place. Compared to earlier research methods, I will be required to travel to
both Scotland and England to gain access to the non-digitized resources. I will
have to travel to various locations to research these documents. I must visit
libraries, archives, museums, universities, and churches. Some of the locations
I have contacted have already contacted her back, giving her access to their
archives for her research. Those places include The Royal Collection Trust, The
Church of England, Edinburgh University, The British Library, Guildhall
Library-The Library of London History, National Library of Scotland, Historic
Environment Scotland, National Museum Scotland, Shetland Museum and Archives,
and Glasgow Museum Resource Center.

When completing myresearch, I hope to discover significant evidence that has been
recently discovered but has not been divulged to the public by other
historians. I hope to fill some of the gaps in the series of events that took
place both personally and professionally. So, in the completion of my work, I
hope to answer questions surrounding the events of the war, why they took
place, how were the people and countries affected, and how the wars shaped
future events, both political and other wars that have taken place since the
ending of the second Scottish War of Independence.

Gallery

Photos & videos from our travels.