Irish Independence - Paper 2

Wolfe Tone’s United Irishmen Rebellion

A 1798 uprising aimed at ending British rule in Ireland, which was defeated by Great Britain.

Act of Union (1800)

Legislation that united Great Britain and Ireland, abolishing the Irish Parliament.

Catholic Emancipation Act (1829)

Allowed Catholics to hold office, vote, and sit as MPs in Britain, though limited access remained.

Tithe Commutation Act for Ireland (1838)

Allowed church tithes to be paid in money rather than livestock.

The Great Famine (1845)

A devastating famine caused by potato blight, leading to mass starvation and emigration in Ireland.

Repeal Association (1840)

Founded by Daniel O’Connell to campaign for the repeal of the Act of Union.

Young Ireland Rebellion (1848)

An uprising advocating for Irish cultural nationalism that ultimately failed.

Irish Sovereignty

The struggle for Irish control and independence from British governance.

Orange Order

A Protestant fraternal organization in Ireland that historically opposed Catholicism and Irish nationalism.

Irish Republican Brotherhood (IRB)

A secret society founded in 1858 dedicated to the establishment of an independent Irish Republic.

Easter Rising (1916)

An armed insurrection aimed at establishing an independent Irish Republic, resulting in significant casualties.

Sinn Féin

Political party formed in 1905 advocating for Irish independence, distinct from Home Rule.

Anglo-Irish Treaty (1921)

Agreement that established the Irish Free State as a self-governing dominion within the British Commonwealth.

Ulster Volunteer Force (UVF)

Paramilitary group formed in 1913 to oppose Home Rule for Ireland.

The Black and Tans

British paramilitary group deployed to Ireland during the Irish War of Independence, noted for their brutality.

Home Rule

The demand for Ireland to have its own parliament and self-governance while remaining part of the UK.

The Land War (1879-1882)

A campaign for tenant rights and fair rent in Ireland, marked by protests and land reform demands.

Daniel O'Connell

Key figure in Irish nationalism known as 'The Liberator' for advocating Catholic rights and Home Rule.

Protestant Ascendancy

The political, economic, and social dominance of Protestant landowners in Ireland.

The Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA)

An organization established in 1884 to promote Irish sports and culture, uniting national identity.

Home Rule League

An organization formed in 1873 to promote the cause of Irish Home Rule within the British Parliament.

The Nation newspaper

Publication advocating for Irish nationalism and cultural identity in the 19th century.

Tithe

A one-tenth part of something, especially in the context of historical church payments.

National Land League

An organization established to fight for tenants' rights and reform land ownership.

Civil War

Conflict following the establishment of the Irish Free State, marked by pro- and anti-Treaty factions.

The Great Potato Famine's impact

Resulted in a drastic population decline and increased emigration from Ireland.

Fianna Fáil

Political party founded by de Valera in 1926, became a dominant force in Irish politics.

Cumann na nGaedheal

Political party formed from pro-Treaty nationalists after the civil war.

The Statute of Westminster (1931)

Legislation that granted full legislative independence to the British dominions.

De Valera's policies

Post-independence strategies focusing on nationalism and removing ties to Britain.

The Irish Church Act (1869)

Disestablished the Church of Ireland, ending its status as the state church.

The Dublin Lock-Out (1913)

Major industrial dispute in Dublin, reflecting class struggle and labor rights.

Bloody Sunday (1920)

Incident in Dublin where IRA killed British agents, leading to retaliatory violence.

The Dáil Éireann

The assembly established by Sinn Féin as the parliament of the Irish Republic.

Treason Trials

Post-Easter Rising trials of participants accused of rebellion against British law.

The Provisional Government

Government established in 1922 following the Anglo-Irish Treaty.

Boundary Commission

Proposed commission to address territorial disputes between Northern Ireland and the Irish Free State.

Lord Russell

British Prime Minister during the Great Famine, criticized for inadequate relief efforts.

Catholic Rent

Fee established by O'Connell for membership in the Catholic Association to mobilize support.

Socialism vs. Capitalism in Ireland

Debates around economic systems that shaped political discourse and identity.

Irish Republican Army (IRA)

Militant organization formed to defend Irish nationalism and independence through force.

James Connolly

Irish socialist leader and key figure in the Easter Rising.

Expansion of Sinn Féin support (1918)

Massive electoral victory reflecting nationalist sentiment and opposition to British rule.

Margaret Markievicz

First woman elected to the British Parliament, involved in Irish nationalist politics.

Land Purchase Acts (1888/1891)

Legislation aimed at facilitating the purchase of land by Irish tenants.

Tenant rights movement

Campaigns advocating for fair rent and tenant protections in Ireland.

Cultural Nationalism

Movement promoting Irish culture and identity as part of the fight for independence.

Parliament Act of 1911

Allowed the House of Commons to pass legislation despite opposition from the House of Lords.