GREAT CAUSE DEBATES
Debate 1: Why did Edward demand to be overlord of
Scotland?
Write the heading ‘Edward gains control’. With your partner discuss the
following points. Then write answers for the debate topic in your jotter.
 Traditional historians believe that Edward I was an evil man who took
advantage of Scotland when it was weak. They believe that he set out to
trick the Scottish nobles from the start.
 Revisionist historians believe that Edward was trying his best to bring
peace to Scotland. He thought that without his overlordship, Scots would
never accept his choice and there would be a civil war anyway.
Debate topic: Whom do you agree with, the traditional historians or the
revisionist historians? Give several reasons to justify your answer. Write
your findings in your jotter. Be prepared to explain your findings to the
whole class.
Debate 2: Why did Edward choose Balliol as king?
Write the heading ‘Balliol becomes king of Scots’.
Debate point: Why did Edward choose Balliol as king of Scots? With your
partner look at the two following arguments and decide which one you agree
with. Explain your answer.
 Traditional historians agree that Edward gave Balliol the job because he
believed Balliol was a weak man, who would be easy to bully when he was
king of Scots. Robert Bruce had more of a backbone, so even though he
had a better claim, Edward failed to give him the job.
 Revisionist historians point out that Edward was a lawyer. They argue that
Balliol had the better claim according to law, and that’s what Edward h ad
to go with.
Debate topic: Do you agree that Edward chose the right man to be king of
Scots? Write your answer in your jotter. Be prepared to explain your findings
to the whole class.
WARS OF INDEPENDENCE (H, HISTORY)
© Learning and Teaching Scotland 2009