The Stuart Dynasty was a royal family that ruled Scotland and England from the late 16th century to the early 18th century. It began with Mary, Queen of Scots and continued with her son, James VI of Scotland, who became James I of England after the Union of the Crowns in 1603. The dynasty is known for significant events, including the English Civil War and the eventual establishment of the Commonwealth under Oliver Cromwell. The Stuart Dynasty faced challenges such as religious conflicts and political struggles. The dynasty ended with Queen Anne in 1714, leading to the Hanoverian Succession. The legacy of the Stuarts includes the promotion of the arts and the establishment of the Act of Union in 1707, which unified England and Scotland into one kingdom.