Irish Rebellion of 1798

The Irish Rebellion of 1798 (Irish: Éirí Amach 1798), or 1798 rebellion as it is known locally, was an uprising in 1798, lasting several months, against the British dominated Kingdom of Ireland. The United Irishmen, a republican revolutionary group influenced by the ideas of the American and French Revolutions, were the main organizing force behind the rebellion

Background

Since 1691 and the end of the Williamite war, Ireland had been controlled by an Anglican Protestant Ascendancy loyal to the British Crown, which governed the majority Roman Catholic population by a form of institutionalised sectarianism codified in the Penal Laws. As the 18th century progressed, liberal elements among the ruling class were inspired by the example of the American Revolution and sought to form common cause with the Catholic populace to achieve reform and greater autonomy from Britain.

When France joined the American colonists in support of their revolution, London called for volunteers to join militias to defend Ireland against the threat of invasion from France. Many thousands joined the Irish Volunteers who used their new powerful position to force the Crown to grant the landed Ascendancy self-rule and a more independent parliament. In 1793 Catholics with some property were allowed to vote, but could neither be elected nor be appointed as state officials.

Liberals seeking a greater franchise for the people, and an end to religious distinctions in law, were further inspired by the French Revolution that started in 1789.