Photo AI
David I was successful in increasing central royal power in Scotland - Scottish Highers History - Question 2 - 2023
Question 2
David I was successful in increasing central royal power in Scotland. How valid is this view?
Worked Solution & Example Answer:David I was successful in increasing central royal power in Scotland - Scottish Highers History - Question 2 - 2023
Step 1
Evaluate the view on David I's success
Answer
David I of Scotland (reigned 1124-1153) is often viewed as a monarch who worked to centralize royal power in his realm. His reign marked a significant transition in Scottish governance toward a more centralized authority. The introduction of feudal practices, strengthened the monarchy’s influence over lands and nobles.
To assess the validity of the view, it's essential to consider several factors:
-
Feudal Administration: David I implemented feudal systems, which distributed land in exchange for loyalty and military service. This unitization of control allowed the Crown to exert greater authority over various regions, leading to increased central power.
-
Royal Institutions: He established royal burghs, which enhanced trade and commerce, contributing to economic power that strengthened the monarchy. Alongside, the establishment of religious institutions, especially under the influence of the Anglo-Norman clerics, bolstered royal authority as they often aligned with the Crown's interests.
-
Military Campaigns and Expansion: David's military engagements boosted the territorial scope of the kingdom, incorporating more regions under his control, which naturally extended royal influence.
While these elements suggest a degree of success in strengthening royal power, they were not without challenges.
Step 2
Consider opposing views
Answer
Contrary arguments highlight that David I's efforts to centralize power faced significant resistance from the Scottish nobility, who often sought to maintain their independence. The introduction of feudal practices could also be viewed with skepticism, as it may have led to the decentralization of power in certain contexts, as nobles gained substantial autonomy.
Moreover, the influence of external powers, particularly the Anglo-Norman lords, suggests that while some centralization occurred, it was overshadowed by competing interests.
Overall, while David I made substantial strides toward increasing royal authority in Scotland, this view must be contextualized within the broader scope of regional power dynamics and local resistance.
Step 3
Conclusion
Answer
In conclusion, the view that David I was successful in increasing central royal power in Scotland is valid to a significant extent, given his actions to strengthen the monarchy through feudalization and administrative reforms. However, it is crucial to recognize the limitations and challenges posed by the nobility and external influences, which tempered the extent of this centralization.