essay plan for the Question social and economic factors were the most important in effecting the development of nationalism and unionism - 40 mark question
“Social and economic factors were the most important in affecting the
development of nationalism and unionism” How far do you agree?
INTRODUCTION
It can be argued that social and economic factors were in fact the most important
factors in the development of nationalism and unionism whether those be
positive or negative. However, this development is not solely due to social and
economic factors and other factors such as leadership, mass mobilization and the
role of the church also came into play.
PRE_FAMINE IRELAND
Beginning with the development of nationalism - Socio economic factors
were imminent in the 1700s as there had been somewhat of an economic boom
which lead to the emergence of a middle class. This would have a lasting effect in
the next century as this middle class especially in nationalism would form a
significant portion of the mass support. This shows that socio-economic factors
worked hand in hand with other factors that lead to the development of
nationalism.
When the Act of Union was introduced in 1800 there was economic decline and
there was the misplaced assumption that a union would spark inflow of British
capital to Ireland. Strong Irish industries such as wool and cotton declined due to
direct competition with Britain and improvements in transport ensured British
goods dominated the Irish market. This economic hardship lead to a decrease in
the standard of living of the Irish who 1 million of which were already described
as ‘landless labourers.’ This economic factor lead to the development of
nationalism as the nationalist movement were about to use this anger as fuel for
anti English sentiment and convince people to vote for nationalists in lections
such as those in 1826 and 1828.
Social – fear to the social fabric, due to the monster meetings and elections
campaign during emancipation, brought reforms
FAMINE IRELAND
When the famine hit in 1845 – killed 1 million
However this actually developed nationalism as the literacy rate rose, as those
who died were mostly illiterate and due to the national school system that was
implemented after 1831.
1 ½ million emigrated – 39% of entire population of Irish born people no longer
lived in Ireland. American – Irish would help shift the nature of the Irish question
by providing funds and armament for subsequent generations of nationalists,
especially Fenians, who established themselves in 1858and were committed to a
forcible overthrow of British power and the establishment of an independent
Irish republic
The famine accelerated the modernization of Irish society and decline of Gaelic
language
Socio economic consequence of the famine – the emergence of the wealthier
tenant farmer created a powerful movement that forced the land issue up the
agenda and eventually led to reform.
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