The succession problem and the Great Cause The Great Cause and Edward’s decision
The death of Alexander III in 1286 plunged Scotland into a crisis of succession. As a result, Scotland came close to civil war and Edward I of England gained control of the country.
In November 1292, after over a year of arguments and political debate, Edward I announced that John Balliol had a better claim to the throne and would become King of Scotland.
Balliol was chosen for a number of reasons:
he was a landholder in Scotland, England and France, so was a connection between the countries
it was acknowledged that his claim was the strongest legally - Edward, an expert in law would have recognised this
he was a descendant from the eldest daughter of Earl David - legitimate inheritance always passed down the eldest line, a practice in inheritance law known as 'Primogeniture'
It was an unusual decision for Edward. Balliol was the last of the claimants to acknowledge hiss overlordship and Bruce was one of the first.
Bruce and the many of the other Competitors were from noble families who were rivals of the Balliols. As a result, John Balliol would have a difficult time in ruling his new kingdom, especially as he had already accepted Edward I as his overlord.
