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Scotland has been a constituent part of Great Britain since the Act of Union was passed by the legislatures of England and Scotland in 1707. However, the union of these two ancient lands has not always been an easy one, and even after 1707 wars and rebellions by Scots determined to maintain their full independence were not uncommon. Many of these conflicts have been celebrated in popular culture and some have even been given the Hollywood treatment. One of the most notable examples was “Braveheart”, a 1995 film produced, directed and starring Australian actor Mel Gibson. While not completely accurate, the film told the story of William Wallace and his struggle to keep Scotland fully independent in the face of attacks and invasions from England’s King Edward I in the early 14th century. Competing claims for the English throne based on religion in the 17th and early 18th centuries saw several wars and rebellions flare up. In both 1715 and 1745, Scottish pretenders to the English throne mounted full-scale rebellions. The rebellion of 1745 led by Charles Edward Stuart (known as “Bonnie Prince Charlie”) was the last, and was soundly put down by England at the Battle of Culloden. How long has Scotland been a part of Great Britain? Who starred Braveheart? Which were the causes of the Scottish rebelions? Which part won the Battle of Culloden? |