There was large economic growth, good relations with England, and the Feudal system (wherein the nobles received a section of land in exchange for their fealty to the king) was working well to keep Scotland prospering. In addition, Alexander was married to Henry III of England’s daughter (Edward I’s sister), creating direct ties to England. Henry, however, sought to be overlord of the Scots, as many English kings had in the past. Alexander III of Scotland died in 1286, and his three year old granddaughter, Margaret, took over the throne with a group of advisors. Margaret died on the journey to Scotland in 1290, and John Balliol was crowned as the official King of Scotland. Robert the Bruce was another strong contender for the crown, but his claim was not as strong as Balliol’s. Edward I of England insisted that King John join his war effort in France. Instead, Scotland made a treaty with France which prompted Edward to attack Scotland. The Scottish War of Independence had
There was large economic growth, good relations with England, and the Feudal system (wherein the nobles received a section of land in exchange for their fealty to the king) was working well to keep Scotland prospering. In addition, Alexander was married to Henry III of England’s daughter (Edward I’s sister), creating direct ties to England. Henry, however, sought to be overlord of the Scots, as many English kings had in the past. Alexander III of Scotland died in 1286, and his three year old granddaughter, Margaret, took over the throne with a group of advisors. Margaret died on the journey to Scotland in 1290, and John Balliol was crowned as the official King of Scotland. Robert the Bruce was another strong contender for the crown, but his claim was not as strong as Balliol’s. Edward I of England insisted that King John join his war effort in France. Instead, Scotland made a treaty with France which prompted Edward to attack Scotland. The Scottish War of Independence had