The Union of the Crowns

The Union of the Crowns occurred in 1603 when James VI of Scotland became James I of England after the death of Queen Elizabeth I. This marked the beginning of a personal union between the two crowns, meaning that while Scotland and England remained separate nations with their own parliaments and laws, they shared the same monarch. This event laid the groundwork for the eventual political union of both countries into Great Britain in 1707, significantly influencing their history and relations, fostering a sense of unity while still maintaining distinct national identities.