The Wars of Independence, 1286-1328: overview of the SQA National 5 Scottish context

The Wars of Independence, 1286-1328 is one of the topic options in the Scottish context of SQA National 5 History. It traces how Scotland slid from a stable kingdom into a disputed succession, English conquest, and decades of war, ending with independence recognised in 1328. Your centre may study this option or another Scottish topic (for example Mary Queen of Scots, or the Era of the Great War); the question types are the same whichever is chosen. This page maps the Wars of Independence story and shows how its parts connect.

The story in stages

The succession problem (1286-1292)

Alexander III died in 1286 leaving his infant granddaughter, the Maid of Norway, as heir. Her death in 1290 left the throne vacant with rival claimants, so the Scots asked Edward I to judge.

The Great Cause (1291-1292)

Edward agreed to judge but first made himself overlord of Scotland at Norham. He chose John Balliol as king, who then held his crown as Edward's vassal.

Edward's conquest (1292-1296)

Edward humiliated Balliol and demanded money and troops, so the Scots allied with France. Edward invaded in 1296, sacked Berwick, defeated the Scots, and forced Balliol to abdicate.

Wallace's rising (1297-1298)

Resentment at English rule sparked rebellion. Wallace and Murray won at Stirling Bridge by trapping the English at a narrow bridge, but Edward returned and beat Wallace at Falkirk on open ground.

Bruce and Bannockburn (1306-1314)

Bruce killed Comyn and seized the throne in 1306. After early defeats he recovered through guerrilla war and castle capture, and won decisively at Bannockburn in 1314.

Securing independence (1314-1328)

Bruce raided England to force a settlement; the Declaration of Arbroath (1320) asserted Scotland's independence; and the Treaty of Edinburgh-Northampton (1328) finally recognised Bruce as king of an independent Scotland.

How to study this context

1. Learn the sequence. The story is a chain of cause and effect; knowing the order of events is the basis of every answer.
2. Master the contrasts. Stirling Bridge versus Falkirk, and Bruce's recovery versus his early defeats, are favourite Explain questions.
3. Know the key documents and treaties. The Treaty of Birgham, the Declaration of Arbroath and the Treaty of Edinburgh-Northampton each have examinable content.
4. Practise the question types. The Scottish context uses Describe, Explain and the source questions; drill them on past papers.

For the official course specification

The SQA (now Qualifications Scotland) publishes the full National 5 History course specification, specimen and past papers and marking instructions at sqa.org.uk. Always revise from the current specification and SQA past papers, and confirm which Scottish-context option your centre is teaching.