Which one of the following statements is false regarding the Act of Union 1707? [Delhi 2011]
Answer: It was an agreement between England and Ireland.
Additional Information
The Act of Union 1707 was a landmark agreement that unified the kingdoms of England and Scotland into a single political entity known as the Kingdom of Great Britain.
### Key Points:
#### Background:
1. Separate Kingdoms:
- England and Scotland were separate nations with their own parliaments, laws, and monarchies, but they shared a monarch since the Union of the Crowns in 1603, when James VI of Scotland became James I of England.
2. Motivations for Union:
- England: Sought to secure its northern border and prevent Scotland from allying with France (a rival of England).
- Scotland: Faced economic hardships, particularly after the failure of the Darien Scheme, a Scottish colonial venture in Central America. Union with England offered economic support and access to English trade.
#### Provisions of the Act:
1. Parliamentary Union:
- The separate parliaments of England and Scotland were merged to form the Parliament of Great Britain, based in Westminster, London.
2. Single Monarchy:
- The union formalized the shared monarchy under Queen Anne, who became the first monarch of Great Britain.
3. Economic Integration:
- Scotland gained access to England's colonial markets and trade networks.
- A monetary compensation known as the "Equivalent" was provided to Scotland to address its financial losses.
4. Preservation of Institutions:
- Scotland retained its separate legal system, church (the Presbyterian Church of Scotland), and education system.
#### Significance:
1. Formation of Great Britain:
- The Act created a unified kingdom, laying the foundation for what would later become the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
2. Economic Benefits:
- Over time, the union led to economic growth and integration, especially for Scotland.
3. Controversy:
- The union faced significant opposition in Scotland, where many viewed it as a loss of sovereignty.
- This opposition persists in modern times, with ongoing debates about Scottish independence.
The Act of Union 1707 remains a pivotal moment in British history, shaping the political, economic, and cultural landscape of the British Isles.
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