1798 Rebellion

Irish Republicanism:
- Inspired by Wolfe Tone, who is known as the 'Father of Irish Republicanism'.
- Advocates believed violence was necessary to end British rule in Ireland.
- This is referred to as the physical-force tradition.
- The 1798 Rebellion marked a significant event in this tradition, with later rebellions in 1848, 1867, and 1916.
Constitutional Nationalism:
- Some Irish citizens opposed violent methods, opting for peaceful reform.
- They believed that sending MPs to Westminster would achieve greater independence.
- Daniel O'Connell and Charles Stewart Parnell were notable leaders supporting this viewpoint.

1791: Formation of the Society of United Irishmen in Belfast.
1794: The Society is banned by the British government.
1796: Failed French attempt to land at Bantry Bay.
1797: British government begins a reign of terror in Ulster.
1798: Rebellion begins after United Irishmen leader's arrest.
- Rebel forces capture Enniscorthy and Wexford.
- British defeat rebels in Down and Antrim.
- The Battle of Vinegar Hill leads to a significant rebel defeat.
- French forces land at Killala but are defeated at Ballinamuck.
- Wolfe Tone captured and dies after a failed suicide attempt.

Human Cost:
- Estimates show about 50,000 rebels against 100,000 British troops.
- Death toll estimates range from 10,000 to 50,000, with approximately 30,000 being the most widely accepted figure, primarily consisting of rebels and civilians killed by British troops.
Act of Union (1801):
- Aimed to prevent further rebellions and French attacks.
- Utterly dissolved the Irish parliament, merging it with London's parliament.
- Irish MPs took seats in the Westminster.
Religious Division:
- Uniting Catholics and Protestants for common cause failed; political division increased.
- Protestants feared for their safety post-rebellion, leading to stronger support for British rule.

Rebellion in Wexford triggered by fear of repression and reports of massacres in nearby counties.
Rebels, led by Father John Murphy and later Bagenal Harvey, captured towns yet lacked proper weaponry.
Significant battles included defeats at New Ross and later at Vinegar Hill where the main rebellion ended.
Subsequent massacres post-defeat further fueled religious and political divisions, leading to resignation of rebel leaders.

Unexpected French aid arrived in August 1798, but ultimately surrendered to superior British forces.
Wolfe Tone, a key figure in the rebellion, was captured and executed following his involvement with French allies.

Act of Union: Legislative act that united Great Britain and Ireland, dissolved the Irish parliament.
Constitutional Nationalism: A movement advocating for Irish independence through peaceful reform rather than violence.
Protestant Ascendancy: Dominance of Protestant landowners and the legal system in Ireland, contributing to sectarian tensions.
Physical Force Tradition: A belief in the necessity of armed rebellion to achieve political objectives in the history of Irish nationalism.