During the 1500s war and disease were common. The war alone took away many men including Mary Stuart's father, James V, who was unable to accept the humiliation of his defeat to England and suffered a complete nervous breakdown (Fraser, 11). Previously two of Mary's older brothers died in infancy, only adding to James V's grief which Mary's birth did not even begin to ease (Fraser, 11). Five days after Mary's birth, King James V of Scotland died. Mary Stuart was crowned Queen of Scots within a year of her birth and although she did her best to become a great leader, many things stood in her way. Mary, Queen of Scots, was an important daughter, as she was the only heir to the throne, but some people did not think she was fit for the throne due to her gender. As a result, two important questions arose; who he would drive in his childhood and who he would marry (Fraser, 12). It was quickly decided that James, second Earl of Arran, would rule in her infancy, but he soon changed his faith and Mary Stuart was crowned at the age of nine months (Fraser, 17). At the age of five, a marriage was arranged between Maria and the dolphin Francesco. Having made this decision, Maria immediately left for France where she would continue to live for thirteen years. While in France, Mary lived an extremely luxurious life, where she worshiped left and right. The meeting between the dauphin Francis of France and Mary Queen of Scots was a great success and not only did the arrangement work but she was much loved by the King of France who wrote that she was the most perfect child he had ever met ( Fraser, 22 ). Mary lived a wonderful life in France, but all good things must come to an end. Over the years Mary had become very fond... middle of paper ......ine and the people who had once condemned her began to celebrate her as a martyr (Trueman). People began to look at his life differently. She went from an insignificant queen to an unforgettable figure. Even today people know it and it will remain that way for years to come. As an adult she made many mistakes but she remained true to herself until the end and many people would do well to learn from her. Works Cited Dunn, Jane. Elizabeth and Mary: cousins, rivals, queens. New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 2004. Print.Fraser, Antonia. Mary, Queen of Scots. New York: Delacorte, 1969. Print.Trueman, Chris. "Mary Queen of Scots." Mary Queen of Scots. History Learning Site, 2000. Web. March 19, 2014.Weir, Alison. Mary, Queen of Scots, and the assassination of Lord Darnley. New York: Ballantine, 2003. Print.