2: Politics up to the 1800s, Catholics and Protestant Ascendancy Flashcards
Who established the “Plantation of Ulster” and when?
James I in 1610
Approximately how much land was held by Catholics at the start of the period?
1/5 of the land
What are the penal laws? When were the main ones repealed?
Catholic’s could not:
-* Vote
- Sit in parliament
- Hold public office
- Purchase land
- Lease land (for more than 31 years)
- Bear arms
- Join the army
- Marry a Protestant
-* Leave land to eldest son (had to be divided)
- Become Lord Lieutenant of Ireland
Voting, holding public office and joining the army were repealed in 1793.
By the end of the 18th century how much land did Catholics own?
~5%, they made up ~75% of the population
What are the four pillars of the Protestant Ascendancy?
Political (government controlled by England), economic (land ownership), religious (Anglican Church of Ireland), social (Protestant education largely)
What were the main features of Ireland’s government?
The Castle: The seat of British rule in Ireland. Many anomalies and sinecures due to pile up of medieval legislation onwards
The Viceroy: Possessed many crown powers but superseded by PM
Chief Secretary: Somewhat junior to Viceroy, head of castle administration.
Who were the first Irish nationalists?
Irish Protestants who believed they had built a culture whole enough to be independent from Britain’s.
When was Grattan’s Parliament created?
1782
Who were Grattan’s “Patriot’s”?
A minority group of MPs in the Irish House of Commons. They emerged in the 1850s.
What did Grattan and his Patriots believe in?
Irish people were united first by nationality and should put the interest of Ireland before race or religion.
They requested commercial equality to GB and legislative independence.
Demanded regular elections and an uncorrupt Castle.
*Grattan also pushed for Catholic political rights.
Impact of Grattan’s Patriots
GB Gov granted some concessions, reforming the patronage system and letting the Lord Lieutenant reside permanently in Ireland. The Octennial Act was issued.
Octennial Act
1768: stated that elections should be held every 8 years
What was the impact of the American War of Independence?
British trade embargoes and its rejection of America’s independence disadvantaged Ireland, highlighting the flaws of being subordinate to England.
Catholic Relief Act
1778: Catholics permitted to take leases of 999 years (NOT own)
Who were the Volunteers?
An Irish MC Protestant militia group for the Castle that had fallen into disuse.
