When and why did the Act of Union take place and what were the consequences?

Union between Scotland and England had been suggested on several occasions since the Union of the Crowns in 1603 when James VI of Scotland became King James I of England.

Matters became more urgent in 1701 following the death of Queen Anne's last surviving child. Both Parliaments in Edinburgh and London began to quarrel over who should succeed her. Relations between the Parliaments got worse. A peaceful solution had to be found.

Activities
Pupils will have the opportunity to investigate some of the following questions:

• Why and how did the Act of Union take place?
• Who was involved?
• What were the arguments for and against Union?
• What changed as a result of the Act?
• What stayed the same?
• How do we regard Union today?

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