These are extensive revision notes on Irish nationalism from 1800 to 1850, including the work of Emmet, O'Connell, and Davis. It also includes the resistance from the British Government. Other topics include Catholic Emancipation, the Repeal campaign, reforms in Ireland, the Great Irish Famine, an...
Ireland Under the Union (1800-1850)- Revision Notes
Constitutional and Revolutionary Nationalism
Henry Grattan and the Patriots
● An example of constitutional nationalism
● Protestant nationalism
● By 1750, Grattan led a group of MPs called the “Patriots” in the Irish
Parliament.
○ Grattan had some success with reform because of his dedication,
leadership skills, and oratory ability
■ Eg. the Octennial Act in 1768
● Pushed for Irish legislative independence (an independent Dublin parliament)
● Grattan opposed the Act of Union after it was passed in 1801
○ Constitutional nationalism was a primarily Catholic movement.
However, Catholics couldn’t have a seat in parliament, so the cause
was represented by Liberal Protestants (such as the Patriots)
○ In 1805, Grattan became an MP in Westminster
● Traditionally, the Patriots worked closely with the Catholic Committee
(showing the links between Catholic nationalism and Protestant nationalism),
which failed to effectively fight for Catholic Emancipation because of internal
divisions and poor leadership.
○ The middle classes wanted a restrained, conservative approach,
whereas the business classes were more radical because of the
economic benefits of emancipation.
○ As a result, the Catholic Committee dissolved itself in 1803
○ In 1805 it returned as the Catholic Board, but suffered from hesitant
and irregular leadership, as well as a lack of popular support. It never
amounted to mass movement.
○ 1808: another division occurs over giving Britain veto powers over the
appointment of Catholic bishops- this was supported by the most
conservative of the Catholic Board.
, ● The Patriots became aligned with the Volunteers, introducing paramilitary
forces to make the British government deliver free trade between Britain and
Ireland.
● However, Grattans ideas weren’t fulfilled as he faced a strong
anti-emancipation under Prime Minister Pitt.
● Ultimately, the Patriots were a minority and were limited in their nationalist
aspirations. Grattan’s success is less his own achievements than how his
political and military tactics inspired other nineteenth century nationalists.
Wolfe Tone and the Society of United Irishmen
● An example of revolutionary nationalism
● Predominantly Protestant (especially Presbyterian), led by Wolfe Tone (a
Protestant)
○ Despite its Protestant origins, the Society of United Irishmen had close
ties with the Catholic Defenders
● The Society of United Irishmen was formed in 1791
○ It had approximately 280,000 members by 1797
● Demanded Catholic emancipation and parliamentary reform
● Tone fled to France, hoping to gain support for the society’s rebellion (which
occurred in May 1798)
○ The French didn’t intervene until August 1798
○ They only brought 1100 men
○ Uprisings were uncoordinated and unsuccessful
○ Quickly crushed by General Lake
○ Approximately 30,000 killed
● The 1798 rising has been described as “the birth of revolutionary nationalism”
● The failed uprising only served to increase British control over Ireland and
deepen sectarian divisions, leading to the Act of Union in 1801
● Despite clear failures, Tone and his supporters were martyred as heroes of
nationalism.
● Ultimately, Tone and his supporters were limited by a strong British
government (who made membership of the society illegal and reduced the
rebels’ access to weapons) and a lack of mass support (peasants were more
concerned with British economic tyranny than political freedom).
, Robert Emmet
● An example of revolutionary nationalism
● Emmet was a Protestant, but the social elite condemned his rebellion as a
Catholic revolt
● Inspired by the 1798 rebellion (Tone), planned alongside veterans from the
revolt (link).
● Occurred in 1803
● 50 people killed
○ Including the Lord Chief Justice and the Attorney General
The Failure of Emmet’s 1803 Rebellion
● Emmet went to France in 1802 to gain French aid (but failed)
● Questionable leadership
○ Emmet brought the rebellion forward on short notice to 23rd July 1803,
resulting in a poorly planned rush
○ Last-minute, Emmet ordered his men to occupy two streets in Dublin’s
city centre instead of attacking their original target of Dublin Castle,
showing hesitant leadership.
● Only 300 men took part
○ They were untrained
● Emmet failed to inspire further uprisings immediately
● 23rd July 1803: on the morning of the rebellion, the Catholic Archbishop of
Dublin (John Troy) urged people not to support Emmet during morning mass,
in an attempt to prevent radicalism.
● Emmet and 21 others were executed in September 1803
● Although several instances of agrarian insurrection followed, these were
linked to local grievances and cannot be linked directly to Emmet.
Emmet’s Legacy
● The speech that Emmet gave before his execution would be quoted by
generations of nationalists.
● Emmet became a martyr for nationalism
The benefits of buying summaries with Stuvia:
Guaranteed quality through customer reviews
Stuvia customers have reviewed more than 700,000 summaries. This how you know that you are buying the best documents.
Quick and easy check-out
You can quickly pay through credit card for the summaries. There is no membership needed.
Focus on what matters
Your fellow students write the study notes themselves, which is why the documents are always reliable and up-to-date. This ensures you quickly get to the core!
Frequently asked questions
What do I get when I buy this document?
You get a PDF, available immediately after your purchase. The purchased document is accessible anytime, anywhere and indefinitely through your profile.
Satisfaction guarantee: how does it work?
Our satisfaction guarantee ensures that you always find a study document that suits you well. You fill out a form, and our customer service team takes care of the rest.
Who am I buying these notes from?
Stuvia is a marketplace, so you are not buying this document from us, but from seller jessiebolton06. Stuvia facilitates payment to the seller.
Will I be stuck with a subscription?
No, you only buy these notes for £4.99. You're not tied to anything after your purchase.
