Arguments Against William Wallace

Madison Correia

Mrs. Storey

Period Six Honors English

12 December 2016`

Sir William Wallace: The Campaign Against Injustice

Sir William Wallace was many things; a father, husband, rebel, traitor, and legend. Underneath these titles was a man who never consented to defeat and fought with a uniquely unwavering persistence and perseverance. He was a Scottish hero who rebelled against the British chains, and started the revolution that gained independence for his beloved country. The English saw Sir William as a turncoat, and he soon became King Edward's most sought after enemy. Sir Wallace is a phenomenal leader for the Scottish but a horrible conspirator for the British. There are two sides to every story, however this one ends with William

Wallace as the hero.
William Wallace was raised in a time of economic stability and a peaceful time in Scotland compared to the years that would follow. This time of relative peace was destroyed when Scotland's only heir to the throne fell ill. According to “William Wallace Biography” King Alexander III was killed in a horse riding accident in 1286, leaving his only heir: his three-year-old granddaughter. When the granddaughter passes away four years later, there is no one to control the government leaving the Scotts defenseless and open to invasion (William Wallace Biography). The article in the National Archives “Uniting the Kingdoms?” explains that King Edward I saw the weakening of the government and was eventually asked to determine the next heir. He decided to choose John Balliol, who was a weak leader and could be easily overpowered. When he chose John, King Edward I publicly humiliated him and attempted to become the Scottish overlord (William Wallace Biography; thefamouspeople.com). When the Scottish rejected him as their next ruler, he saw it as an act of war and invaded without question (The Scottish Wars of Independence.). William Wallace, and a few well-known compatriots banded together to prevent British invasion, and remained in control of their own country.
In May of 1297, Sir William Wallace, Sir William Wallace arrived in a town named Lanark (lanarkmuseum.org). Lanark is home to the well-known and formerly beautiful Lanark castle. Sir William Heselrig, an English Sheriff, who was stationed in Lanark heard of William Wallace’s arrival, and surrounded Sir Wallace and his wife Marion Braidfute (The Scottish Wars of Independence; educationscotland.gov.uk). The Sheriff captured Marion, and killed her invoking a vengeful hate within Sir Wallace not surprisingly (The Scottish Wars of Independence; educationscotland.gov.uk). According to Lanark museum and the Royal Burgh of Lanark Museum Trust, Sir Wallace rallied a group of loyal men and killed Sheriff Heslerig, which then sparked a rebellion in the Southwest of Scotland (lanarkmuseum.org). Although his motives were not completely selfless, he proved his unwavering leadership in a time of anger, and wrath against British presence in Scotland.
The 1200-1300 England has a right to hold a grudge against William Wallace.

William Wallace killed an English Sheriff, defeated England in more than a few battles without an army with prior training, and inspired a rebellion that eventually gained freedom from England. “The difference between a villain and a hero is perspective” said by an unknown author. This quote perfectly describes the claims against William Wallace that he was a traitor, conspirator, and a menace because he was all those things. However, that doesn’t take away from the fact that he was a great leader, and managed to rally the commons for a common cause. Without Wallace’s efforts, he wouldn’t be considered a traitor. He did go against the overlord’s laws and rule, however he recognized King Edward’s attempts as detrimental to his country’s needs. Yes, he is a traitor, but he betrayed the right person for the right

cause.
William Wallace has this incomparable way to rally troops, lead with a strong voice, and he always manages to stay in the game.

Scottland.org states that on September 11, 1292, “Wallace, who had only 16,000 men, had two major advantages. Firstly, he commanded the high ground; and secondly, the bridge would only take horse riders two abreast. However, he also faced a dilemma. If he attacked too early, it would have left most of the English army unscathed on the other side of the river and in a position to counter attack. But if he attacked too late, most of the soldiers would have crossed and he would be hopelessly overwhelmed.” He then used his modern strategies, and wonderful leadership skills to successfully defeat English forces at the battle of Stirling

Bridge.
William Wallace is also an incredible example of an underdog. Sir William Wallace was the second son, meaning he received no land or title from his father. He had no nobility, fortune, or name, who somehow believed he could reach freedom and independence. By defeating the English at the Battle of Lanark, and the Battle of Stirling Bridge, he became Guardian of the Realm, as well as one of the most well-renowned Scottish Patriots of his time. The British may see him as a traitor, but that is only because his efforts and accomplishments were so great against England, that they have almost no choice but to hate him. William Shakespeare once stated, “In time we hate that which we often fear.”

Works Cited
Britainfirst.org. Web. 13 Dec. 2016.
Editor, Site. "William Wallace." Scottish History. Web. 13 Dec. 2016.
"Lanark Museum and the Royal Burgh of Lanark Museum Trust." Lanark Museum and the Royal Burgh of Lanark Museum Trust. Web. 13 Dec. 2016.
"The National Archives - Exhibitions - Uniting the Kingdoms?" The National Archives. The National Archives, 31 Dec. 2004. Web. 13 Dec. 2016.
"The Scottish Wars of Independence, 1286-1328." The Scottish Wars of Independence, 1286-1328 - NQ Higher Scottish History. Web. 13 Dec. 2016.
"William Wallace Biography." Childhood, Life Achievements & Timeline. Web. 13 D