As I have noted in the past, a tremendous number of dogs originate in the U.K. and a disproportionate number come from Scotland. What most people don't know is the strange story about how Scotland came to have to sell itself to England because of an epic blunder involving Panama.
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2 comments:
Not quite accurate history. The two kingdoms of Scotland and England came together in 1603 when James VI of Scotland inherited the throne of England and became James I of England as well as King of King of Scotland, although the two kingdoms swere not formally united until the Act of Union in 1709.
But de facto, they were ruled as one country from 1603
Actually, Youtube has the history right on this one, believe it or not.
What happened when James VI of Scotland became James I of England is characterized as a *personal* union, not a political or economic one.
In fact England and Scotland were NOT ruled as one after that time -- goods could not be imported across the border, the two countries had different currencies, and different laws.
It was only after failure of the Darien Scheme in Panama that true union occured with the Act of Union of 1707 (correct year) when free trade occured, the currency and laws were unified, and the House of Commons and House of Lords added Scotish members.
Of course the Act of Union was NOT popular in Scotland, and some evidence of HOW unpopular it was can be seen in that between 1650 and 1822 NO sitting English monarch dared (or could be bothered?) to visit Scotland. When George IV came in 1822, it was by BOAT so he could make a quick getaway if need be! He was greeted with a great deal of fanfare, however, and it was during this visit that Sir Walter Scot (of terrier fame) more or less invented Scotish culture complete with tartans for everyone and bagpipes for all.
P.
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