In July 1706, Scottish and English Parliaments agreed the Articles of Union, the terms of treaty that would unite the two countries.
Fear of losing independence and becoming a region of England led to protests in Edinburgh and Glasgow. Some turned into riots, where windows were smashed, effigies burned and anti-Union pamphlets spread far and wide.
On the 20th November 1706, 300 armed men rode into Dumfries and ceremonially burned the Articles of Union.
Protesters here believed that Union would favour English merchants over Scotland’s trading industry.
Across Scotland, over 20,000 Scots signed organised petitions against the Treaty.
But the opposition movement was divided.
Jacobites sought to restore the Stuart monarchy and Episcopalian Church, while many Presbyterians accepted the Hanoverians but wanted to protect the Church of Scotland.
Leadership was weak, as the Duke of Hamilton opposed the treaty but refused stronger action.
The Court Party offered concessions on tax and trade, and secured Presbyterian interests. Opposition fragmented, and gradually faded, and the Treaty of Union was passed by the Scottish Parliament in early 1707.
Description
The passing of the Act of Union in 1707 led to mass protests and unrest in Scottish cities, This film explores the aftermath of the passing of the Act.
