Why and How did Unionism Develop 1870-1914 Flashcards
4 Unionist Fears, Orange Order, Unionist Party + ULARU,, Opposition to 1st HR bill, 2nd HR Bill and Ulster defence Union, Devolution Crisis, Solemn League and Covenant, Curragh Raid, Weapons, Larne Gun Running
4 Unionists Fears
Economically, Historically, Religiously and Politically (potentially another Catholic Emancipation)
77% Catholics
“home Rule is Rome Rule”
“home Rule would be disastrous for the material well-being of Ulster”
Orange order
By 1885 the group was thought to have 500,000 members.
“We are the True defenders of the Protestant faith”
Parades to assert supremacy
Unionist Party and ULARU
Unionist Loyalist Anti Repeal Union.
“home Rule is Rome Rule”
Opposition to first Home Rule Bill
Lord Randolph Churchills speech:
“Ulster will fight and Ulster will be right”
He played his “orange card” and formed an alliance with this unionists and hinted at using physical force.
“The Orange Card would be one to play”
First Home Rule bill defeated 341 votes to 311
2nd Home Rule Bill and Ulster Defence Union
To develop Unionism further.
“Persecution would follow separation. I am against Home Rule”.
Protestants would be treated unfairly if a home Rule Was established”
Catholics targeted
Second home rule bill defeated 419 votes to 41
Devolution Crisis
Unionist faced little possibility of Home Rule being forced upon them with Gladstone gone.
However they heavily rejected the conservative idea of devolution. It would give power to more localised gov.s
Ulster unionist council developed to resist home rule.
Original council had 200 members 50 of which were elected by The Orange order.
Solemn league and covenant
Why unionists opposed home rule and they would use physical force if forced upon them.
“home Rule would be disastrous toward the material well-being of Ulster”
470,000 men and women signed it.
Ulster Volunteer force
To back up unionist resistance after SL+C.
Only those who signed the SL+C could join the force.
By 1914 the force reached 100,000 people.
The UVF also smuggled 250,000 rifles from Germany.
Curragh incident
General Arthur Paget
3 battalions
58 officer resigned in the Curragh
Weapons
Smuggled 250,000 rifles from Germany and 3 million rounds of ammunition.
“We fight for equal justice for all”
36th Ulster Division
After outbreak of WW2.
300,000 men joined the 36th Ulster Divison.
Loyalty to empire seemed stronger after they lost 5800 men in the Battke of Somme
