7. Daniel O'Connell and the Repeal Association

Question 1

What did the establishment of a more formal union result in?

Answer 1

It put an end to legislative independence for Ireland because Ireland had become a part of UK. The absorption of Ireland reduced fear for British MPs of growing nationalist sentiment as Ireland now part of richest country- benefit a lot

Question 2

What did Daniel O’Connell found?

Answer 2

The Repeal Association 1840

Question 3

Was O’Connell’s Repeal Association popular?

Answer 3

Held huge public gatherings, where it drew thousands.

40 meetings held by 1843, up to 500,000 people came

Question 4

Was the Repeal Association successful?

Answer 4

Did not have significant success beyond mobilising support amongst people- within parliament was reluctant to even consider this issue as it would mean dismantling the empire.

Question 5

What did the British parliament respond to the Repeal Association?

Answer 5

October 1843 banned meeting of the Repeal Association to be held in Clontarf. Brit govt forced O’Connell to make choice: either submit tot eh ruling OR directly challenge govt and risk conflict.

Question 6

What was O’Connell’s response to the British government’s ultimatum?

Answer 6

He chose to abide by the rule of law and cancelled the gathering.

Question 7

What did it lead to when O’Connell abided to the British Govt?

Answer 7

Failed meeting at Clontarf meant end of repeal movement bc undermined movement’s basic principles- peaceful organisation where people could force govt to change its opinion = movement began to fracture