🇪🇺ap european history review

key term - Ireland

Definition

Ireland is an island in the North Atlantic, divided into two political entities: the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. In the context of institutional reforms of the 19th century, Ireland was heavily impacted by British policies that sought to address issues of governance, land ownership, and social justice amid ongoing conflicts and a push for independence.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

  1. The Act of Union 1800 effectively dissolved the Irish Parliament and integrated Irish governance into the British Parliament, creating significant political tensions.
  2. The Great Famine (1845-1852) had devastating effects on Ireland, leading to mass starvation and emigration, which intensified calls for reform and independence.
  3. Irish Home Rule became a major political issue in the late 19th century as Irish nationalists sought greater autonomy from British rule.
  4. The Land Act of 1870 was part of a series of reforms intended to alleviate tenant farmers' struggles but had mixed results in improving conditions.
  5. The rising sentiments of Irish nationalism were fueled by cultural revival movements and grassroots activism during the 19th century.

Review Questions

  • How did the Act of Union 1800 alter the political landscape in Ireland, and what were its implications for Irish governance?
    • The Act of Union 1800 merged the Irish Parliament with the British Parliament, effectively removing Irish legislative independence. This change led to increased resentment among the Irish population, as they felt their interests were being neglected by a distant government. The lack of local representation sparked movements for reform and autonomy, laying the groundwork for future nationalist sentiments that would seek to reclaim Irish sovereignty.
  • Analyze how the Great Famine impacted social and political reform movements in Ireland during the 19th century.
    • The Great Famine had profound social and political repercussions in Ireland, as it resulted in significant loss of life and a mass exodus of people. The suffering caused by British indifference during the crisis intensified calls for reform and justice. This tragedy fueled nationalist movements, as many began to see self-governance as essential to prevent such disasters in the future. The Famine also highlighted issues of land ownership and tenant rights, leading to further demands for reforms.
  • Evaluate the effectiveness of the Land Act of 1870 in addressing tenant farmers' rights in Ireland and its role in shaping nationalist sentiments.
    • The Land Act of 1870 aimed to improve conditions for tenant farmers by providing some legal protections against eviction and securing their rights to compensation for improvements made on leased land. However, many tenants found that the act did not go far enough to alleviate their plight or challenge landlord power. The mixed results led to growing discontent among farmers and bolstered nationalist sentiments as they increasingly viewed self-rule as necessary to achieve true justice and reform in their lives.