Squadrone Volante (Scotland) facts for kids
The Squadrone Volante (pronounced Squa-DRO-nay Vo-LAN-tay) was a special group of politicians in Scotland around the year 1700. Its name comes from the Italian and means Flying Squadron. This group was also known as the New Party. They broke away from another political group called the Country Party.
The Squadrone Volante was very important in helping to pass the Act of Union in 1707. This Act joined Scotland with England, creating the Kingdom of Great Britain.
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What Was the Squadrone Volante?
The Squadrone Volante was a political group, like a team of lawmakers. They worked together in the Parliament of Scotland. This Parliament was the main law-making body in Scotland at the time. The group eventually had about 25 members.
Why "Flying Squadron"?
The group got its unique nickname, squadrone volante, in 1705. They were called this because they were independent. This means they didn't always side with the "Court Party" (who supported the King or Queen) or the "Country Party" (who often opposed the King or Queen). They would "fly" between sides, choosing what they thought was best for Scotland.
Who Were the Members?
The members of the Squadrone Volante were mostly moderate Presbyterians. This was a type of Christian belief common in Scotland. They didn't agree with other groups like the Episcopalians or the Jacobites. The Jacobites wanted to bring back the old royal family to the throne.
Key Leaders and Their Influence
Two important leaders of the Squadrone Volante were John Ker, 5th Earl of Roxburghe and John Hay, 2nd Marquess of Tweeddale. These leaders, along with the other members, played a big part in Scottish politics.
Their main goal was to help Scotland become more stable and prosperous. They believed that joining with England through the Act of Union was the best way to achieve this.
The Act of Union 1707
The Act of Union was a major event in Scottish history. It meant that Scotland and England would no longer be separate kingdoms with just the same monarch. Instead, they would become one country, Great Britain. The Squadrone Volante's support was crucial for this Act to pass in the Scottish Parliament. They helped convince enough lawmakers to vote for it.
