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PEARSON (PEARSON)
History 2015
Unit 36.2 - Ireland and the Union, c1774-1923
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3.2 BRITISH REACTION
How successful were Britain’s efforts to maintain control of Ireland before
1885?
Introductio Britain reluctant to give Ireland greater autonomy – crucial part of
n Britain’s imperial identity = dismantling the empire
Conservatives viewed it as distasteful, Liberals open to prevent
aggression
Solutions to the ‘Irish question’ emerged in the 18 th and 19th
centuries, reflecting the impact of Irish determination on Britain
Determination enhanced through the Act of Union (1801)
o Ireland bound more tightly to Britain
o Increased opposition among native Irishmen, forcing Britain to
consider reform
Consequent reforms
o Catholic emancipation in 1829
o Extension of franchise to more of the working classes in 1884
o Parliamentary seats redistributed in 1885 greater political
motivation to reconsider Ireland’s position as more Irishmen
could vote and gain seats in parliament
Repeal Poynings’ Law (1494) – all Irish parliamentary decisions subject to
Declaratory British approval
Act (1782) Declaratory Act (1720) – Britain granted direct legislative powers
and
modificatio Context
n of American Revolution and war in the 1780s reduced trade, British
Poyning’s policy favoured British businessmen IV 1774 (moderate aims,
Law Protestant)
Restrictions on Irish traders abolished in 1779 demand for
greater political freedom
Whig government keen to address to reduce Irish demands and
restore a sense of order and retain the empire
British reaction
Damage limitation and concession (fear not principles)
Legislation
Repealed the Declaratory Act
Revised Poynings’ law in 1782 – left Britain with only the power of
veto
Ireland granted its own Mutiny Act – greater control over the
armed forces
Catholic Background
Relief Act 80% of Irish population was Catholic, majority of Brits Protestant
(1793) Encouraged injustice
Promotion of Church of Ireland was part of the broader Protestant
ascendancy which gave Protestants greater opportunities e.g.
Catholics couldn’t stand for seats in Irish parliament
Discrimination and alienation of Catholics promoted ongoing
discontent
Context
1780 reforms concessions made when Britain was vulnerable –
loss of America damaged confidence willingness to concede
reform than risk losing another colony
, 3.2 BRITISH REACTION
UI (radical) and Catholic Committee (moderate aims – revise Penal
Laws (1695)) inspired by the French Revolution
Pitt encouraged parliament to pass relief to calm Irish sentiment
British reaction
Reform and concession
Aimed to avoid Irish Catholics becoming a potential French ally
External circumstances over sympathy
Legislation
Relief Act (1793) – removed majority of barriers to Catholics,
minus right to hold public office
Didn’t intend to further Irish political fortunes
Act of Context
Union UI rebellion 1798 revolutionary and direct challenge
(1801) Britain preoccupied with French war – hoped to secure
independence using French support
Failed attempt, devastating for Irish nationalists
Threat to British security – sought to break British control by force
of arms
British reaction
Decisive, permanent solution, imperialist, short-sighted action to
maintain order as the empire was fundamental to British identity
Minor reforms insufficient
Legislation
Act of Union (1801) – bound Ireland more tightly to Britain where
they could enjoy the same benefits as Brits
Desire to maintain a strong Anglo-Irish relationship
Pitt failed to allow Catholics to hold public office Pitt resigned
March 1801 as he failed to fulfil his pledge to Ireland
Conservative, imperialist theme
Encouraged further discontent
Maynooth Context
Grant Act of Union generated discontent – growth of nationalism and
(1845) resentment
British anti-Catholic sentiment combined with broader racial
attitudes towards the Irish – e.g. Gordon London Riots (1780) were
violent, anti-Catholic following proposals to reduce Catholic
discrimination laws
Repeal Association created tensions following banned Clontarf
meeting so Peel sought to improve relations through concessions
Legislation
Maynooth Grant
Increased spending on Catholic seminary from £8k to £26k
Faced opposition
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