James VI Is Desire to Create a Perfect Union Between...

James VI Is Desire to Create a Perfect Union Between Scotland and England After succeeding the English thrown in 1603, James VI I of Scotland and England aimed to create the perfect union. In 1604 he proclaimed himself king of Britain and attempted full unification of the nations. This was to involve uniting the Scottish and English parliaments, the church and the legal systems. It also included free trade, repeal of hostile laws and the renewal of borders. Jamess plan to create a perfect union was not to be successful for numerous reasons. This essay will discuss the opposing views held by the Scottish and English parliaments and the objections from the church. It will consider the†¦show more content†¦Scotland was, after all, a poor nation and full unification would provide the benefits of, strength, peace and security for Britain and he himself would be known for his greatness on a European level.[3] James somewhat achieved this as, French and Venetian ambassadors were impressedà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦by the extent of the kings authority.[4] James was determined to succeed with the full unification of Scotland and England. In April 1604, the Commons were asked to consider his new title as that of king of Britain. Their objection to do so deeply offended James as he considered it his right. Decisions were delayed because the union was imperfect and many were unclear as to exactly what it would involve. Commons were weary of James because he intervened in such a way they had not been used to. As he made use of his full powers, some were classifying it as, unwarranted interference in their affairs.[5] With the continual postponing of the acknowledgement of Jamess position, he exercised his right of royal prerogative and proclaimed himself king of Great Britain in October 1604. His intentions of full unification were made known in his persuasive opening speech to Parliament when he said, What God hath conjoined let no man separate. I am the husband and all the whole isle is my lawful wife. I am the head and it is the body. I am the shepherd and it is the flock. I hope,