Introduction [excerpt] This thesis seeks to place Scotland and the Scots on the stage of Jacobitism, rather than the reverse. In fact, it places them center stage. It begins by drawing a picture of Scotland and its people as they existed at the start of the rebellion in July 1745. By forming a clear view of the political life, economic status, and cultural positions of the Scots, we can better understand the forces that drove so many Scots to risk life and property in support of a goal which seemed to many to...