HistoryVault.ie

Context:

 The French Revolution

The American Revolution & War of Independence

The Enlightenment

Roots of Rebellion:

Grattan's Parliament

Grattan’s Parliament

1782 – 1800

 The Protestant Ascendancy of wealthy, land-owning Protestants were the only politically and economically-powerful group in Ireland at the end of the 18th Century (1700’s). They acheived a significant compromise from London when Grattan’s Parliament was granted the power to create laws in Dublin from 1782. However, these laws would still have to be confirmed by London. Another significant problem associated with Grattan’s Parliament was that only WEALTHY PROTESTANTS could join this parliament. This led to resentment amongst poorer Protestants, Catholics & Presbyterians. The Penal Laws also continued to persecute Catholics, only granting them the vote in 1793, but not the right to sit in Parliament. In total, the 300 memebers of Grattan’s Parliament represented very few citizens, and only then Protestants and ‘patrons’. It was a Parliament doomed to failure and wide open to criticism and claims of sectarianism.

In the midst of all this, the Society of United Irishmen was founded by conscientious, pro-Enlightenment Protestants, Anglicans & Presbyterians.

Influences: 

Enlightenment & Revolution

 

Enlightenment

American Rev.

French Revolution

 

 

 

 

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Society of United Irishmen 1790 – 1798

 

A. Hamilton Rowan

T. Wolfe Tone

H. J. McCracken

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

“…an identity of interests and a communion of rights…”

 

Catholic Defenders   V.   Orange Lodges