Effects of the Union,
1707-1740
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Economic
Political
Social
Religious
Jacobite Opposition
ECONOMIC EFFECTS
• In the years immediately after 1707, the
economic disadvantages severely outweighed
the advantages. Only by 1740 were some
benefits becoming apparent.
One economic effect of the union
was SMUGGLING…
• BECAUSE: the Union increased customs
taxes to five times higher than they had
been before 1707.
• SO, to avoid these higher customs there
was a rapid growth in smuggling.
• INDEED, between 1715 and 1717 62% of
all imported goods to Scotland were
smuggled. E.G. ¼ of tobacco smuggled from
America after 1707
• This resulted in a lack of revenue for the
government.
One effect of the union was riots…
• BECAUSE of additional taxes.
• For example, In 1725 there were riots in
Shawfield in Glasgow when attempts were
made to collect a Malt Tax.
• The Porteous Riots in Edinburgh occurred
following the execution of a smuggler. As
living standards remained low in Scotland,
smugglers were treated as heroes.
One effect of the union was INITIALLY
SCOTTISH INDUSTRIES SUFFERED.
• BECAUSE: They could not compete with English industries as only a small
number of Scots engaged successfully with colonies.
• FOR EXAMPLE: The wool industry was hard hit. Exports of wool were
banned and the Scottish wool industry could not compete with the English
which supplied cheaper and better quality wool.
• The linen industry was also badly damaged by a 1711 increase in export
duties.
• A tax was out on salt exports in 1711 (impacted the fish curing industry)
which caused riots.
• In May 1713 a Malt Tax was introduced (increased cost of alcohol). This
actually broke the terms of the Treaty of Union and led to demands by
some in Scotland to end the Union. This broke Article XIII of Union – led to
attempts to dissolve the Union in the House of Lords
• Brewing, paper-making, east coast fishing, shoe making and candle
making were some of the other industries badly affected.
One effect of the union was SOME
SMALL ECONOMIC BENEFITS CLOSER
TO 1740.
• Agricultural techniques improved after Scottish
landlords observed methods used successfully in
England. The Honourable Society of Improvers
was formed in 1723.
• 1727: RBS founded. Initial capital was raised from
the Equivalent payments
• Board of Trusties for the Encouragement of
Fisheries and Manufacturers was established with
an aim of encouraging Scottish industries e.g.
improve the practices and quality control in the
linen industry. Benefits were seen by 1740.
One effect of the union was TRADE…
• Positive BECAUSE: Merchant shipping
benefited, particularly trade with Baltic and
Caribbean.
• For example: By 1725, Glasgow had doubled
its import of tobacco but it wouldn’t be until
the 1740s before the real boom developed.
• Trade with France was lost.
One effect of the union was the
SCOTTISH COURT OF EXCHEQUER…
• BECAUSE it was responsible for customs and
excise in Scotland and even though it followed
the English model and had an English judge in
charge it did give Scots experience of laws
relating to trade and business.
POLITICAL EFFECTS
One effect of the union was THE
ABOLITION OF THE PRIVY COUNCIL
• Abolished in February 1708, many Scots
believed this was unfair on Scotland BECAUSE:
• The Privy Council was a body that advised the
King. Its main role was administering the law,
regulating trade and shipping, granting
licences to travel and administering oaths of
allegiance.
One effect of the union was the lengthy
time period England took to pay the
Equivalent.
• This effected Scotland BECAUSE this sum of
money was meant to ease Scotland’s new tax
burden following the union.
One effect of the Union was the changes in
Scottish law.
• Even though the Articles of the Union stated that
Scotland could keep its own laws, they could be
altered in the future by the British government.
• In 1708, the English Law of Treason was extended
into Scotland after a Jacobite rebellion.
• Many Scots thought this was overstepping the
mark.
• 1712 – House of Lords became court of appeal
for Scottish cases
One effect of the union was disappointment
amongst the Scottish elite…
• BECAUSE the union did not bring the personal benefits
that many had hoped for.
• For example: the Duke of of Hamilton had supported the
passing of the Treaty of Union. One of his rewards for doing
so was a British peerage, the Duke of Brandon.
• However, he was not granted the right to sit in the House of
Lords. Therefore, his peerage was little more than a title and
a disappointment to him.
• For example: Scottish MPs were laughed at and ridiculed
at Westminster in the British Parliament. Their accent
and poverty marked Scottish MPs out.
• The extent of the Scottish nobility’s disillusionment with
Union is apparent in the failed vote to dissolve the union
in the House of Lords 1713
SOCIAL EFFECTS
• Loss of Scottish identity.
One effect of the union was the
Scottish fear of losing their identity…
• BECAUSE: The Scottish crown jewels were
locked away and forgotten about.
• The English Great Seal was used for official
British documents.
• Some historians (e.g. Macinnes) argue that
Scotland was largely ignored after the union
unless there was a sign of trouble.
One effect of the union was the
Scottish attempt to keep their identity.
• For example: new Scottish newspaper was
(re)formed called the “Caledonian Mercury”.
It was seen as a way of having something that
was just Scottish.
• Also, In 1739 Scotland published the first
edition of the “Scots Magazine” as a way of
writing about Scottish history, culture and
current affairs. It was the world’s first
magazine.
RELIGION
One religious effect of the union was
the 1712 Toleration Act…
• BECAUSE: It led to many Presbyterians
becoming very disappointed with the union.
• This act meant that Episcopalianism was to be
tolerated in Scotland.
• Many Presbyterians were outraged because
they thought this went against the Act of
Security and allowed Episcopalianism to
flourish.
One religious effect of the Union was
the 1712 Patronage Act…
• This angered many Presbyterians because
they thought this went against the Act of
Security because:
• This allowed Scottish landowners to appoint
ministers in their parish. Presbyterianism said
ministers should be chosen by the
congregation.
One religious effect of the Union was
the Yule Vacance Act, 1712.
• Again, this made many Presbyterians angry
with the union BECAUSE:
• This act granted a holiday period to the
Scottish law courts at Christmas –
Presbyterians saw this as a pagan Celtic and
Catholic festival.
One religious effect of the Union was
the British government’s decision
about which company was to publish
the bible…
• BECAUSE the company chosen employed
Catholics and Episcopalians. This outraged
Presbyterians.
JACOBITES
THE JACOBITE REACTION
What did they want?
• The restoration of the Stuart monarchy.
• The Union stated that the Hanoverian
succession must be accepted in Scotland. This
put an end to any chances of a Stuart
becoming monarch again after Anne died.
THE JACOBITE REACTION
Who supported the Jacobites?
• Some people who opposed the Union were prepared
to support the Jacobites because they wanted to
destroy the Union.
• Lots of Jacobite songs appeared at this time which
encouraged supporters.
• Many Scots in the north east and parts of the
Highlands supported the cause.
• Some politicians also supported them just in case the
Stuarts got back into power – they wanted to make
sure their own political careers were safe in this event!
THE JACOBITE REACTION
Who did not Support the Jacobites?
• Some Presbyterians. Jacobitism was
inextricably linked to Catholicism for them.
• Most Scots in the lowlands did not support
the Jacobites.
• Nonetheless, they emerged as leaders of
national sentiment.
THE JACOBITE REACTION
1708 Attempted Rebellion
A French sponsored landing of troops was
attempted:
• In 1708 the French helped James VII and II’s son
James, since known as the Old Pretender, to sail
to Scotland to reclaim his throne.
• However, the British Royal Navy and bad weather
meant that the invading force could not land their
ship.
• They turned back for France.
THE JACOBITE REACTION
One effect of the union was the Jacobite
publication of literature highlighting Scotland’s
identity.
• For example, Robert Freebairn published
works which glorified Scotland’s past, its
exploits and celebrated the House of Stuart.
• Also, Jacobite fiddle tunes and songs
contributed to popular support.
One effect of the union was a growth in
support for the Jacobites…
• BECAUSE: It has been argued by historians
that the areas of strongest Jacobite support
were those that were suffering economically,
especially as a result of the problems facing
the linen industry post union.
1715 Rebellion
• When George of Hanover became king in
1714, unrest grew in Scotland.
• The Earl of Mar, who was now opposed to the
Union having previously supported it (he had
lost his office of secretary of state when
George became king), organised a gathering of
the clans in support of the Jacobite cause in
Braemar.
• Mar was hoping for French support.
An effect of the Union was the growth in
strength of the Jacobite rebellion
• BECAUSE: The British government did not
have funds to have a strong military presence
in Scotland.
• There was also a weapons shortage which
made it difficult to arm their supporting
lowland Scottish soldiers.
• British govt. therefore unable to prevent
military uprising.
An effect of the Union was the growth in
strength of the Jacobite rebellion
• BECAUSE: areas of most economic suffering
due to the union turned their support towards
the Jacobites e.g. North East.
• Episcopalian church helped spread the
Jacobite message and propaganda.
BUT:
• The French changed their foreign policy….
• War of Spanish Succession ended with British
victory.
• So, the French were keen to stay on Britain’s
good side and WITHDREW their support from
the Jacobites.
• Alliance between France and Britain finalised
in 1717.
Battle of Sheriffmuir, Nov. 1715
• This took place in November 1715.
• The Jacobites, under the Earl of Mar met the
Government forces led by General John
Campbell, the Duke of Argyll.
• The Jacobites withdrew from the fight, but both
sides claimed it a victory for them!
• James arrived at Peterhead shortly after.
• He left again in February 1716 when it became
clear that the rebellion was running out of steam.
Aftermath of Rebellion
• Highlanders were no longer allowed to hold
weapons under the 1716 Disarming Act.
• A further uprising in 1719 failed.
• Support for the Jacobite cause declined as
people began to live with the union and
realise that it had benefits too.
• The 1745 uprising led by Bonnie Prince Charlie
ended with defeat at Culloden Moor.
ACTIVITY
• Go through the explanations in your
table and identify those which are
– Positive effects (benefits)
– Negative effects