Essay Plan: The Role of the British Government in Irish Nationalist
Activity from 1800-1850
Introduction
● The role of the British government was the most important factor in
nationalist activity in the first half of the nineteenth century.
● Other factors, particularly the strength of nationalist leadership and the
force of support for nationalist activity, were vital in shaping this
development. However, it was the realities within the British government
which allowed this to continue.
The Campaign for Catholic Emancipation
Proposition: The Role of the British Government
● The weaknesses of the British government allowed O’Connell and
constitutional nationalists to succeed with the 1829 Roman Catholic
Emancipation Act.
● Henry Grattan’s “Patriots” campaigned for emancipation, and two bills
were suggested in 1821 and 1826, but were rejected by the House of
Lords.
○ The strong opposition of Pitt (Prime Minister) and King George III
prevented this from happening- they wanted to protect the Church
of England.
○ As a result, O’Connell stated “twenty years have passed and we
are still slaves” in 1821.
● February 1827: Canning, who supports Catholic Emancipation,
becomes Prime Minister
○ Wellington and Peel refuse to join his Cabinet
○ January 1928: Wellington becomes PM, and Canning’s
supporters resign
, ○ These divisions (aka. The Emancipation Crisis) were exploited by
O’Connell, making emancipation achievable.
● 1828: Russell repeals the Test and Corporations Acts, making Catholic
Emancipation seem more likely and forcing the government to consider
it more seriously.
● After seeing O’Connell’s success at the 1828 County Clare election, it
was Wellington who pushed the government to accept emancipation.
● Constitutional nationalists were also enjoying mass support from the
House of Commons. The Tories and Whigs both supported the 1829
Act.
● The 1829 Roman Catholic Emancipation Act passed in the House of
Lords with a majority of 2:1.
● Adelman suggests that the role of the government was more important
in delivering emancipation than the strengths of O’Connell.
● Even in delivering emancipation, the British Government retained its
power by increasing the franchise requirement from forty shillings to
£10/household, reducing the Irish electorate to a sixth of its original
size.
Other Factors: Daniel O’Connell
● However, O’Connell’s powerful leadership (earning him the name “The
Liberator” was also essential.
● 1823: O’Connell forms the Catholic Association, which is vital in
increasing support for emancipation outside of the middle- and
upper-classes.
○ Introduces Catholic Rent (membership at one penny/month) to
raise funds for the campaign.
○ Earned £20,000 within nine months
○ He also focused on issues important to the Irish peasants, like
tenants rights.
Activity from 1800-1850
Introduction
● The role of the British government was the most important factor in
nationalist activity in the first half of the nineteenth century.
● Other factors, particularly the strength of nationalist leadership and the
force of support for nationalist activity, were vital in shaping this
development. However, it was the realities within the British government
which allowed this to continue.
The Campaign for Catholic Emancipation
Proposition: The Role of the British Government
● The weaknesses of the British government allowed O’Connell and
constitutional nationalists to succeed with the 1829 Roman Catholic
Emancipation Act.
● Henry Grattan’s “Patriots” campaigned for emancipation, and two bills
were suggested in 1821 and 1826, but were rejected by the House of
Lords.
○ The strong opposition of Pitt (Prime Minister) and King George III
prevented this from happening- they wanted to protect the Church
of England.
○ As a result, O’Connell stated “twenty years have passed and we
are still slaves” in 1821.
● February 1827: Canning, who supports Catholic Emancipation,
becomes Prime Minister
○ Wellington and Peel refuse to join his Cabinet
○ January 1928: Wellington becomes PM, and Canning’s
supporters resign
, ○ These divisions (aka. The Emancipation Crisis) were exploited by
O’Connell, making emancipation achievable.
● 1828: Russell repeals the Test and Corporations Acts, making Catholic
Emancipation seem more likely and forcing the government to consider
it more seriously.
● After seeing O’Connell’s success at the 1828 County Clare election, it
was Wellington who pushed the government to accept emancipation.
● Constitutional nationalists were also enjoying mass support from the
House of Commons. The Tories and Whigs both supported the 1829
Act.
● The 1829 Roman Catholic Emancipation Act passed in the House of
Lords with a majority of 2:1.
● Adelman suggests that the role of the government was more important
in delivering emancipation than the strengths of O’Connell.
● Even in delivering emancipation, the British Government retained its
power by increasing the franchise requirement from forty shillings to
£10/household, reducing the Irish electorate to a sixth of its original
size.
Other Factors: Daniel O’Connell
● However, O’Connell’s powerful leadership (earning him the name “The
Liberator” was also essential.
● 1823: O’Connell forms the Catholic Association, which is vital in
increasing support for emancipation outside of the middle- and
upper-classes.
○ Introduces Catholic Rent (membership at one penny/month) to
raise funds for the campaign.
○ Earned £20,000 within nine months
○ He also focused on issues important to the Irish peasants, like
tenants rights.
