Lecture on Ireland's Transformation in the 19th Century

Context and Overview

• Ireland in 1800s: Marked by trauma and division post-1798 rebellion.
• Protestant Rule: Protestant ascendancy in power, Catholic majority vanquished.
• Key Issues: Land, faith, and governance.
• Transformation: Shift from rural poverty to mass political movements.

Act of Union (1801)

• Legislation: United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland formed.
• Motivation: To stabilize Ireland amid war with France and internal unrest.
• Catholic Emancipation: Initially promised but delayed due to opposition.

Catholic Emancipation Movement

• Daniel O'Connell: A Catholic leader advocating for political rights.
• Catholic Association: Mobilized church networks for emancipation.
• Success in Parliament: O'Connell became first Catholic MP in 1828 since the 17th century.
• Ulster Protestants' Fear: Fear of Catholic Church's rising power.

Campaign for Repeal of the Union

• O'Connell's Campaign: Demanded an Irish parliament, failed due to lack of support.

The Great Famine (1845-1852)

• Potato Blight: Led to mass starvation and emigration.
• Government Response: Limited intervention, reliance on local landlords.
• Impact: Over a million dead, mass emigration, socioeconomic decline.

Irish-American Connection

• Mass Emigration: Many Irish settled in America, becoming politically active.
• Fenian Movement: Sought Irish independence, failed rebellion attempts.

The Land War and Social Revolution

• Michael Davitt and Charles Stewart Parnell: Leaders of the Land League.
• Land League: Advocated for tenant rights and land ownership.
• Legislation: Enabled tenants to buy land, shifting power to Irish peasantry.

Home Rule Movement

• Charles Stewart Parnell: Advocated for Irish self-governance within the Empire.
• Home Rule Bills: Proposed by Gladstone, met with resistance, especially in Ulster.
• Parnell's Scandal: Political downfall due to personal scandal.

Cultural Nationalism

• Revival of Irish Culture: Focus on Gaelic language, sports, and identity.
• Key Figures: Douglas Hyde, W.B. Yeats.
• Influence: Reconnected Irish identity with its Gaelic roots.

The Irish Role in the British Empire

• Irish Participation: Significant involvement in British imperial administration and military.
• Boer War: Some Irish supported British, others, the Boers.

Conclusion

• Legacy of Division: Ireland's 19th-century history set stage for continued conflict in 20th century.
• Impact of Nationalism: Rise of movements that would shape modern Ireland.