‘Catholic Emancipation in 1829 was the most important turning point in the Union with Britain in the period 1801-1870’ How far do you agree?

Intro: OPINION (no) * A turning point is: a time at which a decisive change in a situation occurs, especially one with beneficial results. specific, significant moment when something begins to change * I disagree because the famine had devastating effects on the people of Ireland

Catholic Emancipation: Granted virtually full civil and political rights to Roman Catholics, which meant they could now become MP’s and could occupy the highest positions in the state

How was it a turning point? * Opened the door to the possibility of a Catholic-controlled Ireland * Blow to the ‘Protestant Ascendancy’s’ monopoly on power as it opened up opportunities for Catholic advancement in politics, professions and government service. * led to the rise of the Irish tenant farmers as a powerful voice for change ( a desire for Home Rule) * Enabled Catholics to hold public office. E.G Daniel O’Connell * Showed how successful the mobilisation of popular support could be to the constitutional nationalist cause for change. * had limited initial impact on the electoral system until at least 1852, (Until ‘Independent Irish Party’ was created.) * fundamental change in Ireland after 1829 was slow after the passing of the act. Indeed, since the Catholic Emancipation Act was regarded as primarily a Catholic victory, sectarianism actually increased,

Act of Union: legislative agreement uniting Great Britain (England and Scotland) and Ireland under the name of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland.

How was it a truing point? * Set the political, economic and religious agenda for much of the rest of the period. * Provoked a revival of nationalist feelings, both revolutionary (Robert Emmet 1803, Young Irelanders 1848 etc.) and constitutional / parliamentary (O’Connell’s Catholic Association & Repeal campaign, Parnell’s Independent Irish Party etc.) * Set in motion the long-term decline of the political, religious & economic monopoly of power enjoyed by the ‘Protestant Ascendancy’. * Marked the beginning of the end for those who represented this privileged class in Irish society.

The Great Famine: period of mass starvation, disease, and emigration in Ireland between 1845 and 1852.

How was it a Turing point? * Created deep-seated hatred towards Britain amongst mainly the lower-class Irish Catholic population * Decline in population Labourers wage rose Housing standards improved * Ireland became more literate and urbanised Move to pastoral farming * 1850 reform act gave Ireland the vote Massive emigration * 1846 106,000 emigrated