4. Why did a crisis take place in 1542?

Mary's father and mother, James V and Mary of Guise. Mary was James' second French wife. He was committed to the alliance with France. This was the basic cause of the crisis in 1542.

1. Scotland had been defeated by England at Flodden in 1513. This increased the power of the anti English faction in the nobility.


2. James V had married two French princesses (the first died soon after arriving in Scotland) and renewed the alliance with France. This meant that Scotland was again “piggy in the middle” when England and France fell out.


3. France and England fought and James V’s army was defeated at Solway Moss.


4. James V died soon after the birth of his daughter Mary in 1542.


5. The pro French faction fought with the pro English faction for control.