Scottish History

The Jacobite Uprisings What Happened and Why It Matters

Scotland is home to many clans and has been impacted by various neighboring countries. Hundreds of wars occurred between Scottish clans and other countries, and many other events including the Jacobite Rebellion. Our center of attention in this article is the Jacobite uprisings, a blood-flooded event that continued for over 50 years and impacted many things, including the traditions of Scotland. The discussion will cover every aspect of rebellion, from its introduction to the aftermath. Other points of this article include the number of rebellions, Scottish clans that participated, battles that were fought, etc.

What is the Jacobite Rebellion?

What is the Jacobite Rebellion
What is the Jacobite Rebellion

Was the Jacobite Rebellion real? This query is quite common among the people. Yes, the event actually occurred. The Jacobite Rebellion was a series of uprisings that started at the end of the 17th century and lasted till1745. Jacobites were a group of people who supported Prince Charles Edward Stuart and wanted to overthrow the House of Hanover and restore the kingship of Prince Charles.

Meanwhile, many battles were fought, and many Scottish clans participated in every rebellion. Colludien’s war was the last one where Jacobites were beaten. The result hugely impacted the Scottish tradition, such as their cultural attire; tartan kilts were banned according to The Dress Act. Similarly, Scotland’s infrastructure was affected as well.

Cause of the Jacobite Rebellion

Cause of the Jacobite Rebellion
Cause of the Jacobite Rebellion

Rebellion was not caused by just one or two reasons but by many grounds. The primary reason was political alienation. Still, many other factors forced people to go against the sitting government. Some common reasons were

Political Alienation and Other Reasons: he role of politics and politicians is quite well-known in rebellion. 
Religious Belief:The role of religious thought was quite common since many people then believed that the King of the throne is selected by god while there is no need for human interruption.

Personal Benefits: Many clans took part in the rebellion for their benefit since they thought they benefited from the success of the uprising.

Economical Situations: Some parts of Scotland were unfortunate from an economic point of view. So, they went against the English throne.

Number of Jacobite Risings

The Jacobite rebellions were a series of revolts that began in 1689 and continued into the late 18th century. The kings and clans changed during these rebellions; however, the purpose remained the same. The King of England during the Jacobite Rebellion was Charles Edward Stuart, and people stood against him.

  • First Jacobite Rebellion 1689
  • Second Jacobite Rebellion 1708
  • Third Jacobite Rebellion 1715
  • Fourth Jacobite Rebellion 1719
  • Fifth Jacobite Rebellion 1745

Clans of Jacobite Rebellion

The role of different Scottish clans was quite significant. Some clans supported the House of Hanover, while a larger number of clans were supporters of the rebellion.  Here is the list of clans that stood on the side of the uprisings:

Clans Supporting Rebellion

  • Clan Chisholm
  • Clan Drummond
  • Clan Farquharson
  • Clan Hay
  • Clan Livingstone or MacLea
  • Clan MacBain
  • Clan MacColl
  • Clan MacFie
  • Clan MacGillivray
  • Clan MacGregor

Clan Who Supported English Throne

The Jacobite rebellion was a complex conflict involving religion, politics, and beliefs, and people from various countries fought on both sides. The above-discussed clans were those who fought against the English throne. Similarly, some Scottish tribes stood by the side of the English monarch, including:

  • Sutherland
  • MacKay
  • Clan Ross
  • Clan Grant

Jacobite Rebellion 1745 Aftermath

The last battle fought during the uprisings was the Battle of Culloden. Jacobites were defeated, and blood flooded, while Scotland was impacted negatively. The first impact was the tradition and culture of Scotland as a result of the Dress Act. According to the Dress Act, traditional Scottish dress was prohibited. The sources claim the English thorn wanted to end the clan system.

Alongside this, the Highland Clearances began, displacing many Scots from their ancestral lands. These measures aimed to suppress Scottish resistance, leading to economic hardship and eroding Scotland’s unique cultural heritage for generations.

Connection of France with Uprisings

France backed the Jacobite uprisings in the 1740s because its monarch and administration shared many Jacobites’ ideals. The French King was a Roman Catholic, much like the Stuarts. The French thought the Stuarts were the true kings of England and Scotland.

Similarly, the French thought a Jacobite uprising would weaken the British by compelling them to dispatch soldiers to combat the Jacobites. They hoped the common people would support a Jacobite rebellion, and the Tory landed class. 

Jacobite Uprising Battles

Many battles occurred during this half-century rebellion between Jacobites and the English throne. The initial struggle failed to offer a final result, while the last one, known as the Battle of Culloden, was proven as the last one, which forced the Jacobites to accept their defeat.

Battle of Prestonpans (1745)

Battle of Prestonpans
Battle of Prestonpans

The Battle of Prestonpans was a key, early victory for the Jacobite forces headed by Prince Charles Edward Stuart in the 1745 Jacobite Rising. On September 21, Jacobite troops beat the British government army led by Sir John Cope near Prestonpans, Scotland, boosting rebel confidence and allowing them to march south to England.

Battle of Culloden (1746)/h3>
The Battle of Culloden, fought on April 16, 1746, was the pivotal battle of the Jacobite Rising. The British army led by the Duke of Cumberland defeated Prince Charles Edward Stuart’s forces, which were weakened by poor leadership and tactics. The fight ended the Jacobite effort to restore the Stuart throne, resulting in severe reprisals against the Scots.

Conclusion

The Jacobite Rebellion was an important event that continued for at least 50 years, where the primary opponents were the English throne and the Rebellion (Including Scottish clans). Rebellions took a stand against the sitting monarch that held the throne, but rebellions claimed they were ruling illegally. Similarly, Jacobites have many other reasons. The wars started in 1689 and ended in the Battle of Culloden when rebellions were defeated and many Highlanders, including Scotland, were impacted socially and economically.

Eric Dustin

Eric Dustin is a passionate writer specializing in Scottish fashion and heritage. With a keen interest in traditional attire like kilts, tartans, and Highland wear. Bridges the gap between timeless traditions and contemporary trends. Also have interest in exploring Scottish Highlands and research clan histories.

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