The Jacobite Rebellions (1689-1746) / (Bell's Scottish History Source Books.)

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

23488

Title

The Jacobite Rebellions (1689-1746) / (Bell's Scottish History Source Books.)

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

Edited by J. Pringle Thomson, this volume chronicles the turbulent era of Jacobite rebellions in Scotland from 1689 to 1746. Focusing on pivotal events like the Darien Scheme, the Union of the Crowns, and the risings of 1715 and 1745, the text offers a concise historical overview enriched by primary source extracts covering religious, social, and industrial life.

Summary up to 500 words

J. Pringle Thomson's *The Jacobite Rebellions* offers a comprehensive examination of Scotland's turbulent political and social landscape between 1689 and 1746. Compiled from contemporary memoirs and documents, the volume traces the era from the aftermath of the Glorious Revolution through the Great Rebellion of 1745. The narrative begins by analyzing the shifting allegiances of key nobility, such as the Duke of Hamilton and Lord Stair, during the Convention of Estates, which declared James II deposed. A pivotal moment in this period was the failure of the Darien trading scheme, an economic catastrophe that devastated Scotland and fueled deep-seated anti-union sentiment. These economic hardships, combined with religious strife, culminated in the 1707 Union of the Crowns, a process marked by significant popular hostility before eventually being accepted. The text then shifts focus to the military conflicts of the Jacobite risings. It details the gathering of clans in 1715, the defense of Edinburgh, and the Battle of Sheriffmuir, illustrating the collapse of the rebellion and the subsequent harsh government response. The narrative continues with the minor uprising of 1719 and culminates in the major 1745 rebellion led by Prince Charles Edward Stuart. Key events include the capture of Edinburgh, the Battle of Prestonpans, the daring invasion of England, the Battle of Falkirk, and the final, decisive defeat at Culloden. Beyond the battlefield, Thomson provides a rich context for the era through diverse extracts. These include accounts of General Wade's extensive road-building program, which sought to penetrate the Highlands; the introduction of new gardening techniques that reflected changing social tastes; and the social unrest of the Porteous Riots. By weaving together military history with religious, social, and industrial activities, the book presents a multifaceted view of a period defined by the struggle for national identity, economic hardship, and the profound transformation of Scottish society.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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Categories

• History
• Scotland