THE GOLDEN AGE OF SCOTLAND POWERPOINT QUESTIONS
The Golden Age of Scotland PowerPoint questions
1.
Why do you think this period is often referred to as a ‘Golden Age’?
2.
Why did the tragic death of Alexander III lead to a crisis in 1286?
3.
Who was Margaret, Maid of Norway?
4.
Why do you think the Treaty of Birgham was so important?
5.
What were the consequences of the death of the Maid of Norway?
Possible answers
1.
Traditionally this is seen as a Golden Age because of the relatively long
and peaceful reign of Alexander III. After a long period of a minority
rule, he successfully managed to establish himself as king before his
nobles. His victory at the Battle of Largs in 1263 brought the Western
Isles into the sphere of influence of the king of Scots for the first time
and the period saw a modest growth of wealth and stability for the
realm. However, some historians believe that his reign was referred to
as a Golden Age because of the Wars that followed. The historian
Michael Lynch agrees when he says that the idea of a Golden Age was
not created until after the Wars were finished.
2.
Without a male heir the way lay open for a rival family to challenge for
the throne. This had happened in the past in Scotland and there was a
strong fear that it would happen again. It was strongly suspected that
Robert Bruce would make a bid for the throne. He had raised some
levies of troops in his lands and appeared to threaten royal castles close
by.
3.
Margaret, Maid of Norway was the granddaughter of Alexander III and
his last surviving heir. Her mother had become queen of Norway as part
of the peace deal with the king of Norway following the Battle of Largs.
There was some concern about another minority monarch, especially
because she was a girl. However, the fact that the nobles were willing
to accept her said something of the stability of the kingdom and the
power of the Community of the Realm.
4.
The most significant aspect of the Treaty of Birgham was the obvious
desire of the Guardians to retain Scottish independence, despite
marriage into the English royal family. For example, the treaty clearly
WARS OF INDEPENDENCE (H, HISTORY)
© Learning and Teaching Scotland 2009
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THE GOLDEN AGE OF SCOTLAND POWERPOINT QUESTIONS
states that Scottish customs and laws should be retained and no
parliament should be held outwith Scotland.
5.
With the death of the Maid, the guarantees given to Scotland by Edward
I over its independence were null and void It now looke d likely that the
kingdom would face civil war over who would become the next king,
possibly followed by an English invasion.
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WARS OF INDEPENDENCE (H, HISTORY)
© Learning and Teaching Scotland 2009