First War of Scottish Independence

A conflict between Scotland and England over Scottish sovereignty, beginning with Edward I’s invasion in 1296 and ending with England’s recognition of Scottish independence in 1328.

Battle of Stirling Bridge: A 1297 Scottish victory led by Andrew Moray and William Wallace over an English army near Stirling. The victory showed that English occupation could be challenged by coordinated Scottish forces.
Robert the Bruce: King of Scots from 1306 to 1329 who led Scotland’s successful campaign for independence. His kingship and victories made him the central Scottish leader of the war.
Overlordship: A relationship in which one ruler claims authority over another ruler or territory while leaving some local rule intact. Edward I framed English authority over Scotland as overlordship, a claim Scottish leaders rejected.
Margaret, Maid of Norway: The Norwegian-born heir to the Scottish throne who died in 1290 while traveling to Scotland. Her death left Scotland without a direct monarch and triggered a succession crisis.
Scottish independence: The status of Scotland as a kingdom governing itself rather than being subject to English rule. The Treaty of Edinburgh–Northampton secured English recognition of this status.
Battle of Falkirk: A 1298 English victory in which Edward I defeated William Wallace’s Scottish army. The defeat weakened Wallace’s military leadership but did not end Scottish resistance.
William Wallace: A Scottish military leader who resisted English rule and served as Guardian of Scotland. His victories and later execution made him a lasting symbol of resistance.
Scottish Guardians: Regents appointed to govern Scotland when its monarch was absent, underage, or unable to rule. Guardians led resistance during periods when Scotland lacked an uncontested king.
Great Cause: The 1291–1292 process in which Edward I arbitrated competing claims to the Scottish throne. Edward’s role as arbiter gave him leverage over Scotland’s succession.
Second War of Scottish Independence: A conflict from 1332 to 1357 in which England again intervened in Scotland’s succession and sovereignty. Renewed war followed the settlement’s collapse after Robert I’s death.

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