Scotland 14th to 16th century

The fourteenth, fifthteenth, and sixteenth centuries were important years for Scotland. Robert I became king of Scotland in 1306. Robert I battled to win Scottish Independence as King for over 20 years, beginning by winning Scotland back from the English invaders slowly. The Scottish people had their great victory and won their freedom when they defeated the English at the Battle of Bannockburn. Fourteen years later they wrote their declaration of independence called The Declaration of Arbroath. The Declaration of Arbroath was the first documented declaration of independence in history. The Declaration of Arbroath ends with:

"To conclude, we are and shall ever be, as far as duty calls us, ready to do your will in all things, as obedient sons to you as His Vicar; and to Him as the Supreme King and Judge we commit the maintenance of our cause, csating our cares upon Him and firmly trusting that He will inspire us with courage and bring our enemies to nought."

War with England continued for several decades. The Stuart Dynasty was established when Robert II came to the throne. The Stuarts ruled Scotland for the remainder of the Middle Ages.


Sources:

"Scotland." Wikipedia. Web. 13 May 2010. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scotland#Medieval_period.

"The Declaration of Arbroath (English Translation)." Web. 13 May 2010. http://www.geo.ed.ac.uk/home/scotland/arbroath_english.html.