4. Irish Volunteers Flashcards
What were the IV’s aims?
- Legislative independence for Ireland
- Awareness amongst public of their status
- Provoke a reaction
- Achieve a growth in numbers
What religions were involved with the Irish volunteers?
Protestants
How many volunteers were part of the Irish volunteers in 1780?
More than 60,000 well trained militia
What did the existence of these volunteer units signify?
It demonstrated loyalty to Britain by defending its borders against possible attack
What did the volunteer units allow the Irish volunteers to do?
Provided the opportunity to begin challenging British authorities
What legislation was passed?
Act of 1720
What did the Act of 1720 enable?
It declared the right of Britain to legislate for Ireland and created limitations imposed upon the parliament as a result.
What did Henry Grattan try to achieve?
He was a principle advocate for greater legislative independence and gave speeches wanting to be granted its rightful status as an independent nation under the same monarch though.
Was Henry Grattan successful?
His proposals were blocked by judicious use of patronage (those who granted privileges)
When did the IV hold a meeting?
Feb 1782 in Ulster
Why did the IV hold a meeting in 1782 Ulster?
They passed resolutions demanding legislative independence for Irish parliament
What did the demands of the volunteers show?
The demands of the volunteers reflected growing assurance that Protestants had less dominance than they had 100 years ago
What did the Constitution of 1782 do?
It repealed the 1720 Act and reduced Britain’s control over legislation in Ireland to just the right to veto
What did the new government also get granted in 1782?
Granted the annual Mutiny Act which gave greater control over the actions of the army
What did it mean by Britain agreeing to the 1782 Act and the Mutiny Act?
Ireland technically became a independent nation who shared a monarchy
