How Scotland fought for its independence

How Scotland fought for its independence

In 1286 the king of Scotland died. About ten barons wanted to become the king of Scotland. They asked Edward the First of England to decide the question. He came with a strong army and said that he was the overlord of Scotland since that time. Then he chose John Balliol to be the king of Scotland, but people of the country were against. They did not want Edward to be their overlord and began to fight for their independence. Their leader was William Wallace.

The English sent an army to Scotland but Wallace destroyed it. Then Edward came with his army, defeated Wallace and killed him. The Scots found a new leader Robert Bruce. He became the king of Scotland.

Edward sent an army against him and Bruce had to hide in the mountains. Only few friends were with him. Their life was difficult.

At last Bruce organised an army that was ready to fight. In the battle near a place called Bannockburn the Scots won the independence of their country. This was in 1314. Robert Bruce was the king of Scotland till 1321 when he died.

It 1603 Scotland and England were united. In that year James VI of Scotland became James I of England.