Acts of Union 1707 facts for kids

The Acts of Union were two important laws passed in 1706 and 1707. These laws were created by the Parliament of England and the Parliament of Scotland. Their main goal was to make the Treaty of Union official, which was an agreement between the two countries.

Before these Acts, England and Scotland were separate countries. They had their own governments, but they shared the same king or queen. The Acts of Union brought them together to form one new country called the Kingdom of Great Britain.

This idea of sharing a ruler wasn't new. Since 1603, England and Scotland had been connected through the "Union of the Crowns." This happened when James VI of Scotland also became King of England. The Acts of Union officially started on 1 May 1707.

What Were the Acts of Union?

The Acts of Union were like a big contract that changed how England and Scotland were governed. They were not just one law, but two: one passed by the English Parliament and one by the Scottish Parliament. Both parliaments had to agree for the union to happen.

Why Did They Happen?

There were several reasons why England and Scotland decided to unite.

• Economic reasons: Scotland faced financial problems, and joining England offered access to England's larger trade markets.
• Political stability: Both countries wanted to ensure a stable future, especially regarding who would be the next ruler.
• Security: A united Great Britain would be stronger against other European powers.

Key Changes from the Acts

The Acts of Union brought many changes to both countries.

• One Parliament: The separate Parliaments of England and Scotland were replaced by a single Parliament of Great Britain. This new Parliament was located in London.
• One Kingdom: England and Scotland became one country, the Kingdom of Great Britain.
• Shared Laws: Many laws became the same across Great Britain. However, Scotland kept its own legal system and its own church.
• Trade: People in both countries could trade freely with each other and with England's colonies.

The Treaty of Union

The Acts of Union were based on an agreement called the Treaty of Union. This treaty was carefully discussed and agreed upon by representatives from both England and Scotland. It laid out all the details of how the two countries would join together.

Impact of the Union

The union had a huge impact on the history of both England and Scotland. It created a powerful new nation that would go on to play a major role in world events. It also led to a shared identity as "British," while still allowing Scottish and English cultures to thrive.

Life After the Union

After 1707, people in Scotland and England began to adapt to the new system.

• Scottish Members of Parliament (MPs) traveled to London to take their seats in the new British Parliament.
• Trade increased, and new opportunities opened up for many people.
• Despite the union, Scotland kept its unique traditions, education system, and legal practices.

See also

In Spanish: Acta de Unión (1707) para niños