Robert+the+Bruce

Robert I of Scotland more commonly known as Robert the Bruce is renowned for ending the 30 year Wars of Independence. King Robert was able to drive out England and defeat her while she was un der the rule of King Edward I and after succession King Edward II. Robert I faced numerous hurdles in his lifetime; contention over the crown and rights to the throne, civil unrest and the ongoing battle with England and King Edward for Scottish independence.
 * Robert the Bruce **



Accession to Power
Scotland in the late 13th century saw a lot of civil unrest as well as constant attempts of conquest by England led by King Edward I. The year 1296 saw King Edward I of England make King John Balliol of Scotland abdicate the Scottish throne and he was put into exhile, although Scotland refused to accept this the country was without a leader. Robert the Bruce was the Earl of Carrick at the time and saw this as his opportunity to seize the Scottish thrown, name himself King and free Scotland from it's suppresser England. However it was not that easy, Robert the Bruce faced opposition within Scotland from those who supported the abdicate King John. In // the Chronicle of Lanercost, // a primary source that chronicles the years between 1272-1346 clearly describes how Scotland’s allegiance was divided between King John and Robert the Bruce’s factions. “…The Scots were so divided among themselves that sometimes the father was on the Scottish side and the son on the English, and vice versa; also one brother might be with the Scots and another with the English.” Robert the Bruce was named King of Scotland in 1306, now with a large support base in Scotland King Robert I could focus on freeing Scotland.

Military Campaigns
Robert the Bruce is infamous for his military campaigns that won Scottish independence from England in 1328. Robert I did encounter some set backs early on in his career with the discouraging loss of a Battle in 1306 which caused Robert I to flee Scotland for his life. This first defeat had an affect on Robert I and caused positive changes in his character, “Defeat transformed the reckless warrior into the most wary strategist in Europe.” Military strategies proved to be very successful in securing Scotland’s freedom in the battles between 1307 and 1327. Robert I became an excellent military strategist arguing that he favoured guerrilla tactics and avoided major pitched battles and always fought on his own ground. Perhaps the most noteworthy battle of Robert I was the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314, in which King Robert I with around 6,000 men defeated King Edward II of England and his 20,000 troops. King Robert formed tactical alliances with France, Germany and Norway; in the case of England attacking they would be offered help and support by their allies. Robert the Bruce's ingenious military campaigns and tactics lead to his army defeating England and King Robert succeeding in securing Scotland's freedom.

Legacy
King Robert I now with the support of his nation; together with the defeat and peace treaty with England and successfully obtaining an ally in France had proven hissignificance to the medieval world. King Robert's military success proved to be unstoppable to England who agreed to the Treaty of Northampton in 1328. King Robert’s significance to the Scottish people can be seen in the //Declaration of Arbroath// in 1320, where the community have written to the Pope, “ …from these innumerable evils we have been freed with the help of our most valiant prince, king and lord the lord Robert, who in order that his people and his inheritance might be delivered out of the hands of enemies…” // // Robert the Bruce’s time as King and his leadership were significant for the people of Scotland as he delivered them independence from England.

**I****mage Sources:**
Statue of Robert I at Bannockburn. 2005. Available: @http://www.englishmonarchs.co.uk/bruce_2.htm 16th Century portrait of King Robert. 2006. Available: @http://www.cranntara.org.uk/burns.htm