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Compare the views of Sources A and B about Mary’s difficulties in ruling Scotland - Scottish Highers History - Question 4 - 2018
Question 4
Compare the views of Sources A and B about Mary’s difficulties in ruling Scotland. Compare the sources overall and in detail.
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Compare the views of Sources A and B about Mary’s difficulties in ruling Scotland - Scottish Highers History - Question 4 - 2018
Step 1
Overall Comparison of Sources A and B
Answer
Both Sources A and B indicate that Mary faced significant difficulties in her role as the ruler of Scotland. Source A suggests that Mary, due to her French upbringing, had trouble asserting her authority over the primarily Protestant population in Scotland. This disconnection is emphasized by her reliance on English influence, which undermined her position as a leader. In Source B, Mary’s education and background are examined, illustrating how her return to Scotland put her at odds with conventional expectations of leadership in a changing religious landscape.
Step 2
Detailed Comparison of Sources A and B
Answer
In Source A, the author highlights that Mary was half-French and raised in a Catholic environment, which alienated her from her Scottish Protestant subjects. This view suggests that her attempts to maintain authority were undermined by her foreign background, as she was seen as an outsider. Meanwhile, Source B elaborates on her educational background, stressing that although she received a Renaissance education, her decisions were burdened by the expectations of a Protestant nation. It notes her struggles in balancing her royal duties with the dissent of the Protestant faction, which ultimately further complicated her reign. Both sources emphasize her isolation and the inherent conflicts stemming from her identity and upbringing.