ireland

What restrictions were placed on the Irish economy by English landowners?

English landowners influenced parliament to create tariffs and prohibitions that reduced Irish competition.

What factors contributed to Ireland's prosperity despite economic restrictions?

Large estates, excellent grazing land, and cheap labor made Irish agriculture competitive, allowing Ireland to sell supplies to the Royal Navy and armies.

What was the value of Irish exports and imports in 1750 and 1790?

In 1750, exports were £1.9m and imports £1.5m; by 1790, exports reached £4.9m and imports £3.8m, indicating steady economic growth.

Why did demands for free trade grow in Ireland?

Wealth was concentrated among a small number of Anglo-Irish Protestant landowners, while Irish Catholic peasants remained poor, leading to frustration among the growing middle class.

What form did Protestant protests take in Ireland?

Protestants formed societies of armed volunteers to protect against a possible French invasion, which developed a political role and blamed economic difficulties on the lack of free trade.

What significant protest occurred in Dublin in 1778?

Volunteers protested with a cannon displaying a sign that read 'free trade or this'.

What did Adam Smith recommend regarding Irish trade restrictions?

Smith called the restrictions 'unjust and oppressive' and recommended that Ireland be allowed to trade freely.

What happened in 1779 regarding Irish trade?

Ireland was granted free trade, which was positive as it did not lead to a collapse of agricultural prices despite high demand.

What obstacles to free trade remained after 1779?

Protectionist interests were reinvigorated by the Corn Laws, which kept grain prices high by excluding foreign grain, and wealthy landowners opposed free trade due to profit concerns.

What was the impact of the Corn Laws on free trade in Ireland?

The Corn Laws were designed to keep grain prices high, making it difficult for free trade to progress.

How did the government respond to Adam Smith's recommendations in 1779?

The government removed restrictions on Ireland, allowing for free trade.

What was the political role of armed volunteer societies in Ireland?

These societies were not controlled by the government and blamed economic difficulties on the lack of free trade.

What was the economic situation of Irish Catholic peasants during this period?

Irish Catholic peasants remained poor while wealth was concentrated among a small number of landowners.

How did the growing middle class in Ireland feel about trade restrictions?

The growing middle class was frustrated by the restrictions on Irish trade.

What was the significance of the year 1779 for Irish trade?

1779 marked the year Ireland was granted free trade, which had positive economic implications.

What was the effect of the wars with France on Irish agricultural goods?

The wars with France generated massive demand for agricultural goods, preventing a collapse in prices after free trade was granted.

What were the consequences of the lack of free trade for Irish manufacturers?

Irish manufacturers were unable to export products like glass, silk, and wool, which Smith criticized as unjust.

What was the general attitude of Tory prime ministers towards tariff reductions?

Although successive Tory prime ministers favored tariff reductions, they made little progress due to opposition from wealthy landowners.

What was the balance of trade for Ireland in 1750?

In 1750, Ireland had a positive balance of trade with exports of £1.9m and imports of £1.5m.

What was the role of the Royal Navy in the Irish economy?

Ireland sold supplies to the Royal Navy, contributing to its economic competitiveness.