Paper II Revision Questions

Use the notes and jotter work that you have accumulated so far in class to help you answer the following set questions. You may also find the ‘events’ and ‘people’ higher still sheets to be helpful.

1.  The early reign of Alexander III was troubled and difficult for the young King. What threats or problems did he face? (3 marks)

2.  What evidence is there to suggest that Alexander III was a successful King for Scotland? (5 marks)

3.  Describe the events surrounding Alexander III’s death (4 marks).

4.  What was the immediate danger to Scotland in the aftermath of Alexander III’s death? (2 marks)

5.  What were the problems Scotland faced in accepting the maid of Norway as Scotland’s next ruler? (5 marks)

6.  What was the ‘community of the realm’ and what role did it play in Scottish politics at the time of Alexander’s death? (2 marks)

7.  Describe the terms and significance of the Treaty of Birgham, 1290? (5 marks)

8.  What effect did the Maid’s death have upon Scotland’s political situation, and how was the immediate danger resolved? (4 marks)

9.  Describe the events at Norham, 1291 (5 marks).

10. Historians have debated over Edward’s intentions at Norham. What are the two positions on this argument? (2 marks)

11. On what basis did Edward determine the result of the great Cause, and what was its result (2 marks)

12. Why did John Balliol find it so difficult to exert his authority as King? (4 marks)

13. Describe how Edward demonstrated his superiority over King John. (3 marks)

14. What was the significance of the MacDuff case for King John’s authority in Scotland? (4 marks)

15. What caused Scotland to go to war with France in 1296? (2 marks)

16. Why was Scotland so easily defeated at Dunbar in 1296? (2 marks)

17. How did Edward demonstrate his control over Scotland after Dunbar? (5 marks)

18. Why did the Scots win at Stirling Bridge? (6 marks)

19. How successful was Wallace as a leader of Scotland? (5 marks)

20. Why did the English win at Falkirk? (5 marks)

21. Why did Wallace resign his guardianship of Scotland? (2 marks)

22. For what reasons had Scottish resistance to Edward I largely collapsed by 1305? (3 marks)

23. What happened in Greyfriars Kirk in 1306? (4 marks)

24. What motivated Bruce to make a stand against King Edward I? (3 marks)

25. King Edward I crushed Bruce in 1306 with extreme prejudice. Describe in your own words the actions Edward I took to dispose of Bruce. (5 marks)

26. Why was 1307 such a turning point in Bruce’s fortunes? (2 marks)

27. From 1307 – 1314, Bruce and is lieutenants seized almost complete control of Scotland. In your own words, describe the salient points of the campaign. (6 marks)

28. Bearing in mind Bruce’s policy of guerrilla warfare, why was the Battle of Bannockburn fought? (2 marks)

29. Why did the Scots win the battle of Bannockburn? (5 marks)

30. What steps did King Robert take in Cambuskenneth Abbey in November 1314 to cement his win? (3 marks)

31. What did King Robert do with the captured Earl of Hereford? (2 marks)

32. What significance did the Irish Campaign have for Bruce’s war for independence? (4 marks)

33. Between the years 1314 and 1323, what measures did King Edward II take to try and regain his control over Scotland? (5 marks)

34. What is the significance of the Declaration of Arbroath? (3 marks)

35. Describe the terms of the Treaty of Edinburgh of 1328, and explain why it came about (Robert’s campaign in Northern England, 1328). (6 marks)