Irish Politics and the 1798 Rebellion

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Questions and Answers

What was one significant impact of the physical force tradition on Irish politics?

It influenced many nationalists to consider violent methods as a means to achieve independence.

List two causes of the 1798 Rebellion.

Religious discrimination and economic hardships, including high taxes.

Who were the primary political traditions represented in modern Ireland, as per the notes?

Nationalism and Unionism.

Define the term 'tithe' in the context of 1790s Ireland.

A tithe is a payment made to the Church, typically one-tenth of a farmer's produce. Signup and view all the answers

What role did Wolfe Tone play in the 1798 Rebellion?

He was a leader of the United Irishmen advocating for Catholic rights and independence from Britain. Signup and view all the answers

What was the goal of nationalists in 1790s Ireland?

To achieve some form of independence from British rule. Signup and view all the answers

How did the Unionists view their relationship with Britain?

They wanted to maintain a strong union and link with Britain. Signup and view all the answers

What were parliamentary traditions in the context of achieving Irish independence?

They involved using political processes and dialogue to make changes rather than resorting to violence. Signup and view all the answers

What secret society did the United Irishmen form after they were banned?

The United Irishmen formed a secret, oath-bound society. Signup and view all the answers

What assistance did Wolfe Tone seek from France in 1796?

Wolfe Tone sought military assistance, resulting in 43 ships and 15,000 soldiers. Signup and view all the answers

What significant event occurred in Wexford during the 1798 Rebellion?

Wexford saw the only significant success of the rebellion, led by Fr John Murphy. Signup and view all the answers

What role did sectarian violence play in the 1798 Rebellion, particularly in Wexford?

Sectarian violence resulted in gruesome massacres, killing over 100 Protestants at Scullabogue. Signup and view all the answers

What was the fate of Wolfe Tone after he arrived with a French fleet?

Wolfe Tone was arrested after the British destroyed his fleet and was sentenced to death. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the overall impact of the 1798 Rebellion in terms of casualties.

The rebellion resulted in the death of between 10,000 and 30,000 people. Signup and view all the answers

How did the British government respond to the threat of the rebellion by the United Irishmen?

The British government sent General Lake to suppress the rebellion through violence and terror tactics. Signup and view all the answers

What were the outcomes of the uprisings led by McCracken and Monroe in Antrim and Co. Down?

Both McCracken's and Monroe's uprisings were quickly crushed by British forces. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Learning Objectives

The course will explore how the physical force tradition impacted Irish politics, specifically focusing on a pre-20th-century rebellion.

Key Words

Physical force
Unionism
Parliamentary tradition
Passive resistance
Nationalism

Differentiated Learning Intentions

Students Must Be Able To

Explore the impact of the physical force tradition on Irish politics
Explore the impact of the 1798 Rebellion
Examine controversial issues about the 1798 rebellion
Explore the job of a historian
Examine the events leading up to the 1798 Rebellion

Students Should Be Able To

Outline political traditions in modern Ireland
List the causes of the 1798 Rebellion
Examine the causes of the 1798 Rebellion
Explain the role of Wolfe Tone
Describe the events of the 1798 Rising

Students Could Be Able To

Examine the impact of the 1798 Rising on both contemporary and later Irish history

Questions for Consideration/Discussion

Who ruled Ireland in the 1790s?
Why did the Irish rebel in 1798?
Who held power and wealth?
What does "discrimination" mean?
What is a tithe?

Political Traditions in Modern Ireland

Two main political traditions exist in Ireland:
- Nationalism (independence from Britain, mostly Catholics across Ireland)
- Unionism (union/link with Britain, mostly Protestants in Ulster)

Nationalists Disagreed on Achieving Independence

Some nationalists favored a parliamentary approach.
Others favored using physical force.

Parliamentary Tradition

John Redmond supported a political approach to achieve change.

Physical Force Tradition

Wolfe Tone advocated for using violence to achieve change.

Causes of the 1798 Rebellion

Mind Map Topic:
- Catholic and Presbyterian Discontent
- Influence of the American Revolution
- The United Irishmen
- Power of the Protestant Ascendancy
- Poverty in the countryside
- Influence of the French Revolution
(See page 172-173 of your text book for a detailed explanation of each point)

The 1798 Rebellion Events

General details:
- Started in Antrim—led by McCracken
- Another uprising in Co. Down, led by Monroe
- Both were crushed
- Rebellions in Dublin, Kildare, and Meath failed due to attacks on mail coaches
- Wexford was the most successful part of the rebellion

Wexford Uprising

Specific events:
- It was unplanned
- It began in Boulavogue, led by Fr John Murphy
- Rebels captured Enniscorthy and Wexford
- Vinegar Hill was the main rebel camp

1798 Rebellion Suppressed

Overall result:
- Rebels trapped in camp by British soldiers
- United Irishmen sought to end religious differences but led to sectarian massacres in some areas
- Rebels such as those at Scullabogue and Wexford Bridge were targeted due to violent conflicts
- British forces defeated the rebels at Castlebar and Ballinamuck
- A French fleet attempting to aid the Irish rebels was defeated at Lough Swilly, and Wolfe Tone was imprisoned and later committed suicide

The Act of Union

Resulting outcome:
- Ended the parliament in Dublin
- MPs traveled to Westminster for governance

Impact of the 1798 Rebellion

Overall effects:
- Death and destruction (10,000-30,000 killed)
- Widespread destruction in towns
- Suppression of memories of the rebellion
- Conflict and distrust between Catholic and Protestant communities
- Influence on later rebellions such as the Fenian Rising of 1867

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Description

This quiz explores the significant events and traditions surrounding Irish politics, particularly the 1798 Rebellion. It covers key figures, societal impacts, and the relationship between Ireland and Britain during this tumultuous period. Test your knowledge on the causes, effects, and major players of the rebellion.