Development of Irish Nationalism 1798-1921

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Development of Irish Nationalism 1798-1921 DateGroup and leader/EventAims MethodsSuccesses/Failures /implications and outcomeSociety of United Irishmen – Theobold Wolfe ToneTo secure independence for Ireland1798Wolfe Tone’s RebellionTo secure independence for IrelandViolent rebellion with French support.It was a complete failure and ultimately led Ireland and Britain into even closer Union through the Act of Union 1800.  The French connection had terrified the British.  However, Tone became a legend for Irish nationalism, especially republicans, who looked back to Tone as the father of their movement.18Catholic AssociationTo unite Irish Catholics into a unified political movement and secure Catholic emancipation.Catholic rent to foster a sense of involvement and loyalty and to raise funds for the movement.Mobilised support through the Catholic Church, who gave their support to the movement.‘awakened the political consciousness of the Irish masses’ .Wrenched Catholic Emancipation from a hostile government and king.Associated nationalism with Catholicism – limited possible support right from the start. 1840 The Repeal AssociationTo secure a repeal of the Union.  However, O’Connell was committed to the British connection and was not fighting for independence.Repeal RentCatholic ChurchMonster MeetingsThe Irish people were not really interested in repeal of the Union, especially after 1845 when the Famine swept through Ireland – a starving and tired people could hardly have much interest in a political movement that had so little chance of success1848Young Ireland They looked back to Wolfe Tone and their ultimate aim was independence for Ireland.  However, under the influence of Finton Laylor who argued that ………they also committed to land reform. Violent Rebellion (1848)The rebellion was a complete failure, but the Young Ireland movement left an important legacy.1867Fenians establishedAn independent IrelandViolence – ultimately, a mass rebellion like that of Wolfe Tone.The Fenians were always a minority in the national movement, and their actions tended to arouse hostility rather than admiration in Ireland.  However, their atrocities in the 60’s motivated men like Gladstone into a program of reform for Ireland.  This was perhaps their most surprising and unintended legacy.However, the  Fenian movement stayed alive throughout the period, and was ready to play an important role in the revival of republicanism after 1914, and played an important role in the 1916 Rising.1870Butt founds the Home Rule
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PartySelf-government – he was committed to the British connection.Parliamentary pressureButt was a complete failure.  He did not command a sense of loyalty either from the Irish population or his party.  His leadership and authority was poor, and many members of his party were not committed Home Rulers.  He had a great deal of respect for the House of Commons, but no one paid him any attention in parliament, and many laughed at him.1879New Departure – the causes of land reform and HR were united in one national movement To settle all areas of Irish grievance, but ultimately:Land reformHome ruleA combination ...

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