Explain why Catholic Emancipation was introduced in 1829

Question 1

Historical Issues (part one)

Answer 1

• Act of Union in 1801 joined Ireland and Britain to form United Kingdom
• Ireland had a population that was 90% Catholic, this posed an issue as Ireland came under Britain’s anit-Catholic legislation i.e. Catholics were not allowed to sit in the House of Commons.

Question 2

Historical Issues (part two)

Answer 2

• Opposed by George III
• Failure of Pitt’s attempt to pass Catholic Emancipation in 1801 led to his resignation and meant that the issue remained unresolved
• Liverpool’s Govt put Catholic Emancipation on the ‘back burner’ for fear of causing a significant split in his Tory Party.

Question 3

Growing Catholic Discontent

Answer 3

• Formation of the Catholic Association saw an increase in the campaign for Catholic Emancipation
• Catholic Emancipation was led by Daniel O’Connell who stood in the County Clare by-election. He won the by-election, but he was unable to take up his seat because he was Catholic
• Led to a Constitutional crisis as the rules and laws governing Britain no longer functioned

Question 4

Fear of Revolution/Civil Unrest (part one)

Answer 4

• The Tory Government, although opposed to Catholic Emancipation feared that there would be civil war, revolution, civil unrest or a rival parliament set up in Ireland
• O’Connell had set a precedent and other Catholics could also potentially stand in elections and win but be barred from taking up their seats.

Question 5

Fear of Revolution/Civil Unrest (part two)

Answer 5

• George IV was against Catholic Emancipation but like the Govt he also feared that there would be a possibility for Revolution or Civil War so accepted Emancipation.
• There were some in the Tory Party who had sympathies with Catholics e.g. Canningites; along with Whigs.
• Peel guided Emancipation through the Commons and Wellington bullied the Lords to ensure if passeed

Question 6

Conclusion

Answer 6

• Highlight that Ireland was 90% Catholic and the Act of Union meant this was a problem in the British Constitution. Failure to Pass Emancipation in 1801 meant that it came to a head in 1829.