James II of Scotland

Reign: 1437 – 1460
Life: 1430–1460

James began his personal rule in 1449 after a turbulent minority dominated by the ambitions of successive Earls of Douglas. Tensions between James and William, 8th Earl of Douglas, led to Douglas's murder in 1452 and an ensuing civil war. James defeated the Douglas family in 1455, seizing its lands and forcing its surviving members into exile. James pursued an aggressive foreign policy in the remaining years of his reign; he exploited the Wars of the Roses to launch repeated attacks against England, and sought territorial concessions from France and the Kalmar Union.

During James II of Scotland's reign, Henry VI of England ruled England, Charles VII of France ruled France, and Afonso V of Portugal ruled Portugal.

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The Bruce by Barbour, John

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Go deeper on James II of Scotland

Hand-picked histories and biographies for readers who want more than the timeline: the same era, told in full.

The Bruce

Barbour, John

A well-regarded work on James II of Scotland and scottish history, useful for going deeper beyond this page.

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James II
Christine McGladdery
A well-regarded work on James II of Scotland and scottish history, useful for going deeper beyond this page.
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Some book links on this site point to Amazon. As an Amazon Associate, WhoWasRuling.com may earn from qualifying purchases.