In 1295, a treaty is concluded between King John Balliol of Scotland and King Philippe IV of France, establishing a pact of mutual military support against England. This agreement marks the beginning of the Auld Alliance, a long-standing diplomatic and military alliance between Scotland and France, aimed at counterbalancing English power. The Auld Alliance would endure for centuries, shaping European politics and playing a key role in both Scottish independence struggles and Franco-English rivalries.