Why did England and Scotland agree to the Act of Union of 1707?

The Act of Union of 1707 was driven by the distinct but complementary strategic and economic needs of England and Scotland.12

For Scotland, the primary motivation was the pursuit of economic security. The union granted Scotland access to free trade with England and its colonies, alongside a financial "equivalent" payment to compensate for the nation's assumption of a share of England’s national debt.12

For England, the union provided essential political and strategic safeguards. England sought to secure the Hanoverian succession and prevent Scotland from serving as a "back door" for French-backed Jacobite restorations or military attacks.12

To facilitate this agreement, both sides made significant concessions. Scotland was guaranteed the preservation of its legal system and the Church of Scotland, while England secured political stability through an incorporating union that merged the two parliaments.12