Introduction: Ireland and Britain in the 18th century
The components of this page are:
Introduction
Links to additional information concerning Ireland
Purpose of this site
History:
The beginning of the 18th century was marked by the passing of the Penal Laws by the Irish-Protestant Parliament. These laws were induced for the sole purpose of vanquishing the remaining Catholics, either in the literal sense or in converting them to Protestantism. Initial effects prevented Catholics from education, politics, land ownership, some professions, gun control, and obtaining expensive livestock. Around the middle of the century, Catholics were unable to vote, become guardians of children, attend church, engage in trade, and reside near corporate cities.
In 1789 the French Revolution transpired, during which French peasants defeated the monarchy. Out of the mayhem arose a new democratic French republic. For many peasants across Europe, this new democracy notion was very attractive, since it presented the power to them, and not to the upper-class. In 1791, the recently established French government opened up military assistance to anyone who wanted to dispose of their own King. This was very unsteady for the nearby monarchies of England, Spain, Germany and Austria; war soon occurred out between them and France.
Simultaneously a new group was created in Ireland. Lead by Wolfe Tone, the United Irishmen (which ironically contained both members of both conflicting religions) acknowledged their belief in a country where Protestants and Catholics could live together in tranquility and with equal opportunity. They wanted to initiate a French-styled democratic republic in Ireland, that was independent of England. They swiftly obtained support, although some, most particularly the newly-formed Orange Order which was set up to sustain allegiance to the monarchy, were opposed to them.
However, supporting the French Republic was seen as treachery by the British, taking into account that they were fighting with France. Also, England was a constitutional monarchy; the King did not have complete authority. Thus the British look upon themselves as already democratic. Due to these facts, the England saw the United Irishmen as a nationwide hazard to be rid of.
In 1798, the British began battling known United Irishmen, and killing great numbers of Protestant and Catholic affiliates. Tone then understood that if they were going to have their revolt, it would have to be soon, before the British decimated them. So a considerable rebellion commenced in the spring, concentrated in the regions of Down, Antrim and Wexford. Numerous gory encounters occurred at Antrim. The United Irishmen were ultimately crushed at the Battle of Vinegar Hill in the County of Wexford. Practically all of the United Irishmen were massacred.
Nevertheless, the conflict ceased to rest. In late 1798, the French sent their support to western Ireland. They marched into and took over the region, acquiring widespread support amid the local Irish who saw it as a prospect to get an improved government. The French and their Irish associates, however, got as far as the County of Sligo before being overpowered by the British. While the French were taken captive, the local Irish were annihilated as a penalty for treachery. Wolfe Tone committed suicide in prison while pending his execution.
Even though the rebellion failed, it was clear that a Republic in Ireland could not be overlooked, and that drastic adjustments were required in the way Ireland was governed to make certain that such carnage did not arise again.
