How important was the support of the Catholic Church in explaining why Bruce was able to make himself king of scots by 1314 ?
Bruce started of his reign as king of Scotland not so well in his first year, his wife and children were captured by Edward, three of his brothers where executed by Edwards English army. The English called him 'king Hob' which meant king nobody. It can be argued that the support of the catholic church is important in helping Bruce to become king of Scotland because they forgiven him for killing Comyn in a church, this shows how the support of the catholic church helped Bruce become king of Scotland. However their were other reasons which helped Bruce become king such as early victories against the English. Another factor that helped Bruce become king was dealing with the Comyns.
One of the main ways Which helped Bruce become king after coming back from northern Scotland was the support of the catholic church. The support of the catholic church helped Bruce become king as they gave Bruce timber to build war machines to attack the English soldiers at Kirkintilloch. The catholic church also gave him money which was given to Wishart by Edward to repair the steeple of Glasgow Cathedral. The catholic church also forgiven him for killing Comyn in a church. However while it can be argued that the support of the catholic church was an important factor, his victory at Bannockburn was more important because it showed Scotland that he could beat the English and is a strong leader.
The support of the catholic church was important but their was other factors that helped Bruce become king of Scotland such as early victories against the English. One of Bruces first battles was against his own earldom of Carrick. When he arrived he captured Tarnberry castle. Another encounter was against Goulchester and Bruce made him retreat. This had a big impact on Bruce to become king of Scotland, it showed Scotland that Bruce could lead an army and lead Scotland to Independence. It can be argued the early victories against the English was important because it showed Scotland that he can lead an army. However while it can be argued that the early victories against the English was an important factor. The victory at Bannockburn was more important as it showed Scotland that he is worthy enough to become king of Scotland.
The support of the catholic church was important but their was other factors such as the death of Edward I. This helped Bruce become king as the new king of England was Edward II and he wasn't as interested in Scotland, this helped Bruce as it gave hm time to sort other problems like dealing with the Comyns and try and win back more people in Scotland. It can be argued that the death of Edward I was important because it gave Bruce time to deal with other things he had to be done such as dealing with the Comyns. However while it can be argued that the death of Edward I was an important factor, the victory at Bannockburn was more important as it showed that he could be king of Scotland as he showed his battle skills.
