Philip thus remained King
of Spain, though he had to renounce his claims to France.
5. THE UNION OF ENGLAND AND SCOTLAND
The project for the union of the two countries had been talked of for
some time, but there were difficulties concerning religious matters,
trade, and the refusal of Scotland to pay any of the English debt, in
the way. By the Act of Security Sophia was declared to be ineligible
for the Scottish throne, and England was in alarm. A commission was
appointed to consider the question of the union, and the Act of Union
was passed in 1707. Many Scotchmen were greatly opposed to the step,
yet it cannot be denied that Scotland herself has been a great gainer
by the Union.
6. THE NATIONAL DEBT
The borrowing of money to pay for wars did not originate in the reign
of Anne, but the War of the Spanish Succession added no less a sum
than twenty-two millions to the indebtedness of the country, and from
that time the National Debt began to assume large proportions. Many
people were greatly alarmed at the state of things in this respect,
and there were many who prophesied the speedy bankruptcy of the
nation.
7. PEACE AT HOME
This reign is remarkable for the entire absence of internal risings
and disaffections.
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