Perceptions of 1745 Jacobite Rising and Battle of Culloden by William Wallace and Robert the Bruce
Introduction to the Jacobite Rebellion of 1745
The Jacobite Rebellion of 1745 was not solely about Scottish independence but was primarily a bid to return Britain to Catholic rule. It was a conflict that included English participants as well. Given these historical facts, it would be reasonable to assume that William Wallace and Robert the Bruce, figures from the Wars of Scottish Independence, would have viewed the 1745 Jacobite rising with indifference. Nonetheless, their strategic acumen and respect for historical precedence might have influenced their judgment if they were present.
Had they been in the room as the decision was made to retreat after reaching Derby, they might have advised the rebels to push on. Such a strategy could have potentially swayed the course of the war and possibly led to a different outcome. This essay will explore the nature of the 1745 Jacobite rising and the Battle of Culloden, examining why it is a significant event in British history and why it would not have been what Wallace and Bruce would have envisioned for their country.
Myth vs. Reality: Jacobite Rising and Battle of Culloden
There is a persistent myth that the Jacobite rising was a battle solely between Scots and English. However, the 1745 rising and the Battle of Culloden were the culmination of a prolonged series of conflicts that began as early as 1688. This period of fighting, spanning 58 years, was not about national or regional conflict, but a religious war between Protestants and Catholics. Although some Jacobites were indeed Catholic, many others were not.
On one side were the Hanoverians, the current British monarchy who were Protestant and had the support of their southern English supporters. Their opponents, the Jacobites, supported the House of Stuart, who had ruled Scotland and England until James VII and II was usurped in 1688 by William of Orange. Jacobus, Latin for James, underscores the name 'Jacobite.' This moniker highlighted the supporters' desire to restore James to the throne.
The Jacobites were primarily from Scotland, Ireland, and Northern England. Internationally, they received backing from Rome and from France. The Jacobite Wars encompassed numerous attempts over 58 years to reclaim the throne for the Stuarts. These included the 1689–91 Williamite War in Ireland and subsequent revolts in 1715, 1719, and 1745. The 1692 Massacre of Glencoe was a significant early event, a political move orchestrated by William of Orange to decimate Jacobite sympathisers.
Political Union and Aftermath
The fears of a Catholic return to the Scottish throne, along with ongoing conflicts with Catholic France, necessitated a political union between England and Scotland. England's parliament thus enacted the 1707 Act of Union, uniting the two regions. The Battle of Culloden, fought in 1746, was the final confrontation of the 1745 revolt under the command of Charles Edward Stuart. This campaign almost succeeded in restoring the Stuarts to power. The Jacobite forces managed to capture Scotland and march into England before being informed that a large British army was preparing to engage them. They hastily retreated and faced defeat at Culloden Moor, where the Duke of Cumberland's forces routed them decisively.
The aftermath was brutal. Cumberland, by his own admission, aimed to crush any further Jacobite uprisings. Following the Battle of Culloden, harsh measures were enforced. Those suspected of being Jacobites, a significant number of whom were innocent, were hunted down and killed. The prohibition of Scottish cultural symbols like kilts, tartan, and bagpipes led to the deaths of many who possessed these items. Similarly, owning firearms became illegal, punishable by death.
As for Wallace and Bruce, their concerns revolved around Scottish independence, not the restoration of a monarchical throne. They may have found the Jacobite rising and its aftermath distasteful, given their efforts to secure freedom from ruling powers.
Conclusion
Understanding the 1745 Jacobite rising and the Battle of Culloden is vital for comprehending the complexities of British and Scottish history. The event was a prolonged conflict driven by religious, political, and international factors rather than an effort for Scottish independence. William Wallace and Robert the Bruce, despite their undying love for their country, would not have recognized this enterprise as their cause. The aftermath left a lasting impact, shaping the political and cultural landscape of Britain for generations to come.