SOURCE EXERCISE ON ROBERT BRUCE AS A MILITARY LEADER
Source exercises on Robert Bruce as a military leader
Source A: From Robert Bruce: Our most valiant prince, king and lord
by Com McNamee, 2006
Moorland, marshland, and hill country, impenetrable to heavy cavalry
became his ‘favourable territory’, where he was safe, and the enemy ill
at ease. He relied on ambush and surprise to make the best use of his
small force. Choosing his ground carefully, he would suddenly emerge to
win a minor skirmish and then retreat once more into the wilderness. He
preferred small engagements…He never engaged the enemy unless sure
of victory.
How far does Source A demonstrate Robert I’s abilities as a military
leader?
Use the source and recalled knowledge.
Points to consider
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What sort of warfare does the source describe?
When, where and against whom did Robert employ such tactics?
Name and date some ‘small engagements’.
Do you accept the judgement that Robert ‘never engaged the enemy
unless sure of victory’?
 Are there other aspects to military leadership which the source d oes
not present? What are these? Give examples of occasions when
Robert employed them.
What are the characteristics of a military genius?
It has often been written that Robert I was a military genius. However,
such a powerful phrase only has meaning if we define precisely what the
qualities of a military genius are. The qualities required of a military
genius in the present day may not be very different from those required
in the 14th century.
Make a list of four qualities you would expect to see in abu ndance
before you were willing to apply the term ‘military genius’ to a leader.
For each quality now give an example of Robert demonstrating that
ability. Give dates and details.
WARS OF INDEPENDENCE (H, HISTORY)
© Learning and Teaching Scotland 2009
1
SOURCE EXERCISE ON ROBERT BRUCE AS A MILITARY LEADER
Quality 1
Example from the military career of Robert I.
Quality 2
Example from the military career of Robert I.
Quality 3
Example from the military career of Robert I.
Quality 4
Example from the military career of Robert I.
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WARS OF INDEPENDENCE (H, HISTORY)
© Learning and Teaching Scotland 2009