Wolfe Tone, the United Irishmen and the act of union

What were conditions like for the Irish as of 1783?

Not great. They had suffered under English rule since the 17th century via the absent protestant ascendancy. Catholics (most of the Irish population) were denied civil rights under the ascendancy.

When were the United Irishmen founded and why?

October 1791, inspired by French revolutionaries.

Who was Wolfe Tone?

One of the founders of the United Irishmen, a protestant barrister who still worked with Catholics despite his faith.

When and what was the catholic relief act?

1793

Allowed catholics to vote but still barred them from holding office. Was passed by Pitt and the Dublin parliament to try and appease the catholics into backing down.

When did Pitt first attempt full catholic emancipation and why did it fail?

1795, was vetoed by George III

When and what was the failed uprising?

1797-98

The United Irishmen conspired to overthrow the Protestant ascendancy with the help of French revolutionary aid forces. However, they did not turn up and so the uprising failed. Wolfe Tone was arrested during this and would later kill himself whilst in prison

When and what was the act of union?

1800/1801

Put Ireland under total British control and reduced their political influence by 200 MPs.

Notably, the act of union did not include Catholic emancipation, why?

Royal veto. Pitt actually resigned due to this