1558-67 Shane O'Neill Flashcards
Give an overview of the Shane O’Neill rebellion
Shane O’Neill rose after losing the earldom of Tyrone to his brother. The rebellion ended only in 1567 when he was killed in inter-clan fighting
What was the cause of the Shane O’Neill rebellion?
O’Neill wanted to rule Ulster and killed his own brother to achieve it
Which foreign powers did O’Neill plot with?
Mary Queen of Scots
France
Why did unrest grow in Ireland throughout the Tudor period?
The government increased its control over the region, challenging traditional families. The attempt under Elizabeth to introduce Protestantism and the plantation system caused further problems
Where was Shane O’Neill’s rebellion?
Ulster to Dublin
Why was religion linked to the O’Neill rebellion?
O’Neill claimed to be true “defender of the faith” in Ireland
What were the outcomes of the O’Neill rebellion?
O’Neill’s successfully use guerrilla tactics – rebellion too difficult and expensive to put down
O’Neill eventually murdered by rival Irish, perhaps paid by English
Elizabeth attaints O’Neill lands in Ulster, seizing extensive possessions but storing up future trouble with the Earls of Tyrone
Why was the O’Neill rebellion considered a medium threat?
Rebellion was long lasting, but largely because it was financially and militarily impossible for English to bring decisive force to bear. Dublin was threatened but while O’Neill wanted to rule his part of Ulster without interference, there was no call for outright independence or regime change
Why was the O’Neill rebellion considered successful?
English lacked cash and political will to take strong action – the main English force was rarely more than 1,000 strong
Shane eluded all attempts to capture him – his eventual death was at the hands of other Irish
The length of the rebellion and the numbers willing to fight for Shane show there was still a strong element of Gaelic nationalism in Ireland
The Duke of Sussex was recalled to London in disgrace for his failure to capture O’Neill and end the rebellion
Why was the O’Neill rebellion a failure?
Shane was able to stay free, but never faced the English in pitched battle nor won any major territory from them
There was no real threat to English control over Dublin
