Hey guys, welcome back to the Why Wars Happened History Podcast, where you learn about the causes of wars and things like, why did it happen? Was it inevitable? Who was involved?

Sometimes I go back hundreds of years just so we can understand what happened in our narrative episodes covering the long course of a war and the background of the war. And if you want to talk more about war, we also have authors, historians, war generals, royalty, actors, filmmakers, a whole bunch of people come on as guests and we talk about everything about before, during, and after war. So let's go!

The Why Wars Happened History Podcast covers The American Revolution, World War I, World War II, Medieval Wars in England, The Habsburg Empire, The War in Iraq, Scottish wars, The War of the Roses, The Cuban Missile Crisis, The Cold War, The Thirty Years War, The Hundred Years War, The American Civil War, and many others.

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INTERVIEW: How Scotland Fought for Freedom with Professor Michael Brown

We're heading back to medieval Scotland in this episode of Why Wars Happened. Our guest, historian Michael Brown from the University of St. Andrews and author of The Wars of Scotland, 1214–1371, takes us deep into the real story behind the Scottish Wars of Independence. From the rise of William Wallace and Robert the Bruce to shifting alliances, brutal battles, and the roots of the Stewart dynasty, this isn’t just about war—it’s about identity, language, and survival. We also talk about Scotland’s climate, trade, and regional differences that shaped its long struggle for autonomy. If you think you know this chapter of history, think again.

00:00 Introduction to the Why Wars Happened History Podcast

00:48 Meet Michael Brown: Expert on Scottish History

01:20 The 13th Century in Scotland: Alba vs. Scotland

02:02 Language Transition in Medieval Scotland

03:35 Population and Clans in Medieval Scotland

07:22 The Role of Lords and Nobles in Scotland

11:34 The Anglo-Scottish Relationship and Wars of Independence

14:10 Challenges of Historical Research

16:51 Debates and Controversies in Scottish History

19:21 Internal Changes in Scotland: 13th to 14th Century

23:06 Adapting to Change: Agriculture and Colonization

23:18 Impact of the Plague on Population and Colonization

25:08 Warfare and Population Movements

26:38 Robert Bruce's Tactics and Legacy

28:03 Hypothetical Scenarios in Scottish History

32:37 The Rise of the Stewarts

34:59 Misconceptions About Medieval Scotland

38:17 Conclusion and Upcoming Works

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