Act of Union 1707

The union of the Kingdom of England and the Kingdom of Scotland into the Kingdom of Great Britain

The Act of Union 1707 was a pair of Parliamentary Acts passed by the Parliament of England and the Parliament of Scotland that led to the creation of the Kingdom of Great Britain on 1 May 1707. The Acts were the result of negotiations between the two kingdoms, which had shared a monarch since the Union of the Crowns in 1603 but remained separate sovereign states with their own parliaments and laws.

Background

The idea of a union between England and Scotland had been proposed several times since the Union of the Crowns in 1603, when James VI and I became the king of both countries. However, political, economic, and religious differences had prevented any formal union. By the early 18th century, several factors made the union more appealing to both sides.

Economic Factors

Scotland's economy was struggling, particularly after the failure of the Darien scheme, an attempt to establish a Scottish colony in Panama. The English economy, on the other hand, was more prosperous, and union promised economic benefits for Scotland, including access to English markets and colonial trade.

Political Factors

The Glorious Revolution of 1688 and the subsequent Williamite War in Ireland had solidified Protestant rule in England, but tensions remained. The Act of Settlement 1701 ensured a Protestant succession to the English throne, which was not guaranteed in Scotland. Union would secure a Protestant succession in both kingdoms.

Military Factors

The War of the Spanish Succession (1701–1714) was ongoing, and a united Britain would be stronger militarily. England was concerned about the possibility of a Jacobite uprising in Scotland, which could threaten the Protestant monarchy.

Negotiations

Negotiations for union began in earnest in 1706. The English government, led by Queen Anne, was keen to secure the Protestant succession and eliminate the threat of a Jacobite restoration. Scottish commissioners were motivated by the promise of economic benefits and political stability.

The negotiations resulted in the Treaty of Union 1706, which outlined the terms of the union. Key provisions included:

• The creation of a single Parliament of Great Britain, based in Westminster.
• The preservation of Scottish law and the Church of Scotland.
• The introduction of a common market and customs union.
• The payment of a "Equivalent" to Scotland to offset any financial burdens from the union.

Passage of the Acts

The Parliament of Scotland passed the Union with England Act 1707 on 16 January 1707, and the Parliament of England passed the Union with Scotland Act 1706 on 6 March 1707. The Acts came into effect on 1 May 1707, creating the Kingdom of Great Britain.

Impact

The Act of Union 1707 had significant political, economic, and cultural impacts. Politically, it created a single kingdom with a unified parliament. Economically, it opened up new markets and opportunities for trade. Culturally, it led to a blending of English and Scottish traditions, although tensions and differences remained.

Also see

• Union of the Crowns
• Glorious Revolution
• Darien scheme
• Jacobitism
• History of the United Kingdom