Irish Rebellion of 1798

Background

• Uprising against British rule in Ireland, a separate kingdom under British control.
• Led by the Society of United Irishmen, initially formed by Presbyterians in Belfast.
• Aimed for an independent republic with Ireland's Catholic majority.
• Harsh rental systems stirred tenant discontent.
• Sought help from the French Republic and sympathetic groups in Britain.

Rebellion Timeline

• Late May 1798: Uprisings began in Carlow, Wexford, near Belfast, and Dublin.
• August 1798: French sent troops to County Mayo; failed to join significant rebel groups.
• September 1798: Last major battle in Kalala; rebel leaders captured.

Aftermath

• British government passed the Acts of Union, dissolving the Irish Parliament, integrating Ireland into the United Kingdom.
• The anniversary in 1898 and Bicentennial in 1998 sparked debates among unionists, nationalists, and republicans.

Pre-Rebellion Context

• Calls for constitutional change in late 1700s Ireland.
• Protestant ascendancy dominated Irish Parliament; penal laws oppressed Catholic Church.
• British Parliament limited Irish trade and imposed legislation.
• Volunteer militias pushed for rights similar to American revolutionaries.

The Society of United Irishmen

• Formed in Belfast, combining Protestant, Catholic, and dissenter members.
• Aimed to reform parliamentary representation and eliminate English influence.
• Held a national Catholic convention in 1792.

Government Crackdown

• The Society declared illegal in 1794 after connections with a French agent.
• Reorganized in 1795 for better structure, expanding throughout Ireland.
• Discontent fueled by agrarian disputes and secret societies like the Defenders.

Rebellion Planning

• Prepared for uprisings with battalions and training.
• Leadership struggles and government seizures of weapons.

French Involvement

• Tone allied with France; proposed Irish invasion to disrupt Britain.
• Dec 1796: French fleet reached Bantry Bay but failed due to storms.
• Continued French interest, though hindered by Napoleon's focus elsewhere.

Rebellion Outbreak

• May 1798: Martial law declared; numerous skirmishes and battles.
• Rebel setbacks in Kildare, Carlow, and Meath.

Major Battles

• Wexford: Insurgency began with local clergy leader John Murphy.
• Vinegar Hill: Rebel forces defeated after significant encampment.

French and Irish Forces

• Aug 1798: French troops led by General Humbert landed in Mayo; temporary success.
• Defeated in Ballinamuck by British forces.

Rebellion Casualties

• Estimated 10,000 deaths; repression and military atrocities common.

Women in Rebellion

• Women actively participated, transporting messages, and fighting.
• Faced significant hardships and violence during and after the rebellion.

Legacy and Commemoration

• 1898 and 1998 anniversaries rekindled debates on rebellion's impact.
• Emphasized non-sectarian and democratic ideals during the Bicentennial.
• Monuments and memorials in Ireland and Australia commemorate the rebellion.