Across the period Between 1400CE and 1900CE there are numerous events and changes that have helped in the transformation of both social, political and economic landscape of Europe and Scotland in particular. The 1400CE was one of the most challenging times in Scotland following its invasion by the English army after it broke away from being part of the British kingdom to become an independent country. The English invasion of Scotland was the first military campaign that was assumed by Henry IV of England after he became the king through disposing of Richard III who was his cousin. Henry intended to overcome the legacy of his predecessors who had become anonymous for failed military campaigns. Other than the high political temperatures which were eminent during this period, there are other events which contributed towards the transformations which were witnessed in England across the period 1400CE and 1900CE. This paper entails my reflection on the things learned about Scotland from 1401 CE to 1900 CE.

The lesson on Scotland’s political climate between the period 1400CE to 1500 CE is an interesting topic on the nature of political instability that existed in Scotland and the events that contributed towards reverting the country into normalcy. After the death of King Robert II, Scotland was ruled in a slightly peaceful environment by the regent called Albany. The relatively calm conditions in the country helped the country to recover from the damages which had been caused by war as the ordinary Scottish citizens went back to their farming lifestyles. The crown had established specific rules which encouraged the people to concentrate on their farms and increase the production of the farm produce. Even though the Scotts focused on farming, they were always vigilant and ready to go for war in case of an attack. This topic is interesting to me because it demonstrates the importance of relative peace in a country and the common causes of political tensions that hampers the growth of a nation.

The era between 1501 and 1600 depicts an interesting highlight of various events that brought about specific changes which have been embraced in present Scotland. During 1500 CE, people began to embrace the need for education within Scottish society, and this stimulated the foundation of the first educational centers in the country. This topic is interesting because it gives an illustration of some of the influences that the introduction of education in Scottish society had imparted on the existing state of religious dominance. For example, before education was brought in Scotland, most of the Scotts had been submerged into the long-standing Catholic beliefs. However, after a few individuals among the Scottish society had received the education, they began rebelling and questioning some of the Catholic doctrines. Moreover, the propagation of education stimulated the growth of large congregations of protestant believers. Through the educational enlighten, the power of the pope and Catholic religion in Scotland was reduced. I was surprised in this topic at the point where the growing protestant faithful’s killed Cardinal Beaton which indicates instances of hatred which had been erupted from the ongoing religious differences. I am disappointed with the killing of the Cardinal because Christianity was meant to promote peace and love against each other and not hatred. I was inspired to do more research on this topic at the point where the intensity of religious rivalry was intensified in Scotland, where the Catholic attempted to use their power to crush the growing influence of the protestant churches. The chapter reveals various forms of global interconnections through how other countries assisted Scotland in times of war and educational development. For example, many young scholars from Scotland had been taken to Germany and Scandinavia to evolve through their education systems. The French also assisted the Scots with their army to fight against the English army, and this was an illustration of the existing cooperation between the countries. From this topic, it is understandable that life was all about wars.

The period between 1700 and 1800 was a period of increased educational growth and cooperation between England and Scotland. This topic is interesting as it focuses on the factors that had led to the unification of two countries which were characterized by intense rivalry. Initially, Scotland and England remained as enemies with less cooperation between the two neighboring countries. For instance, timber resources from Scotland were rejected in England. On the other hand, English coal could be exported duty-free to Ireland but not Scotland. However, the two countries got united after both kingdoms were left under the authority of Anne by King William am surprised by the fact that the trade, art industry and the general economy of the two countries made substantial growth after the war that erupted between them following an attempt by either side to take control. Many institutions began to rise as people had realized the greater need to educate their children. I was inspired to do more research by the indication of the rising demand for education in Scotland. The global interconnection is revealed in this chapter through the various forms of trading activities that existed during this period. During this period it is understandable that people were beginning to realize that life was more about economic development and not wars.

Through the lessons and chapters that we have covered on Scotland between 1400CE and 1900CE, I have learned some exciting and enlightening issues which contributed to the transformation of the Scottish society. Some of the events that led to the changes in Scottish society include the intense political and religious rivalry, the growth of educational centers and cooperation between Scotland and other countries. Through these lessons I have been able to get a better understanding of the traditional Scottish society.