Act anent Peace and War 1703 facts for kids
| Act of Parliament | |
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| Long title | Act anent Peace and War. |
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Quick facts for kids Other legislation |
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| Repealed by | Repeal of Certain Scotch Acts 1707 |
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Status: Repealed
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The Act anent Peace and War was a law passed by the Parliament of Scotland in 1703. The word anent comes from Scots and means about or concerning.
This Act was very important for Scotland. It was about who had the power to decide if Scotland went to war.
Contents
What the Act Was About
The Act anent Peace and War focused on Scotland's foreign policy. This means how Scotland dealt with other countries. It also touched on the royal prerogative. This was the special power held by the king or queen.
Scotland's Right to Decide
The Act stated something big. After Queen Anne died, no future ruler of Scotland and England could take Scotland to war. This could only happen if the Scottish Parliament agreed.
This was a way for Scotland to protect its own interests. They wanted a say in important decisions like war.
Why the Act Was Created
The Scottish Parliament passed this Act for a specific reason. It was a reaction to a law passed in England. This law was called the Act of Settlement 1701.
Concerns About Future Rulers
The English Act of Settlement decided who would be the next king or queen of England. It chose members of the House of Hanover. This was a royal family from Germany.
The Scots were worried. They feared that a ruler from Hanover might involve Scotland in German wars. They did not want to fight in wars that did not concern Scotland. The Scots were already unhappy about the War of the Spanish Succession.
Growing Tensions
The Scottish Parliament showed its strength. They later made Queen Anne agree to another law. This was the Act of Security 1704.
The English Parliament did not like this. They responded with the Alien Act 1705. This law took away some trading rights for Scots in England.
The Union and the Act's End
The disagreements between the two parliaments grew. Eventually, they found a solution. This was the Acts of Union 1707.
Scotland and England Join
The Acts of Union meant that the parliaments of Scotland and England merged. They became one single Parliament of Great Britain. This happened in 1707.
Because of this union, the Act anent Peace and War was no longer needed. It became void, meaning it was no longer valid. It was officially cancelled in December 1707. This was done by the Repeal of Certain Scotch Acts 1707.
