Pearson Edexcel · A-Level · History
Course version: 9HI0 · Version from Sept 2015
Ireland and the Union, c1774–1923 - 4 The Irish land issue, 1870–82: The…
Full specification wording
Paper 3, Option 36.2: Ireland and the Union, c1774–1923 - 4 The Irish land issue, 1870–82: The roles of Michael Davitt, William Edward Forster and Charles Stewart Parnell during the Land Wars; the impact of the Irish Land League; the Land Act 1881, reaction in Ireland and the Kilmainham Treaty 1882.
The Land Wars (1879–82) arose from agrarian distress and tenant grievances.
Checked against the Pearson Edexcel 9HI0 specification (opens in a new tab) on .
- Point 3 of 3
- 4 key terms
Study notes
From the checked teaching notes for this specification point.
The idea
The Land Wars (1879–82) arose from agrarian distress and tenant grievances. Michael Davitt, a Fenian, co-founded the Irish National Land League in 1879 with Charles Stewart Parnell, who became its president and linked land agitation to Home Rule. William Edward Forster, Chief Secretary for Ireland from 1880, enforced coercion through the Protection of Person and Property Act 1881, earning the nickname 'Buckshot'. The Land League organised rent strikes, boycotts and 'No Rent' protests, significantly impacting landlord-tenant relations. Gladstone's Land Act 1881 granted fair rents, free sale and fixity of tenure, but excluded leaseholders and arrears, leading to rejection in Ireland. The Kilmainham Treaty 1882 saw Parnell agree to moderate agitation in return for arrears relief and a more conciliatory policy, marking a shift in his strategy.
What earns the marks
- Explain Davitt's role: he provided organisational skill and radical land nationalisation ideas, co-founding the Land League and mobilising tenants.
- Explain Forster's role: as Chief Secretary, he implemented coercive legislation and arrested Land League leaders, contrasting with Gladstone's conciliatory land reform.
- Explain Parnell's role: he used his political position to lead the Land League, connect land agitation with Home Rule, and later negotiate the Kilmainham Treaty.
- Assess the impact of the Irish Land League: it united tenants, popularised boycotting, and forced the British government to address land reform.
- Analyse the Land Act 1881: its provisions (fair rent, free sale, fixity of tenure) and limitations (exclusion of leaseholders and arrears) that fuelled continued agitation.
- Evaluate the reaction in Ireland: widespread rejection of the Act, increased Land League activity, and the 'No Rent' manifesto.
- Explain the Kilmainham Treaty 1882: Parnell's release from prison in exchange for moderating agitation, and its significance for the land question and Home Rule.
Common mistakes and how to put them right
Confusing the roles of Davitt and Parnell.
Put it right: Clearly distinguish their contributions.
Assuming the Land Act 1881 satisfied tenants.
Put it right: Note that leaseholders and arrears were excluded, leading to continued protest.
Misunderstanding the Kilmainham Treaty as a complete end to agitation.
Put it right: Explain that it involved Parnell's release and a shift in strategy, not a full resolution.
Exam tips
- Use specific evidence, such as the founding of the Land League in 1879 or the 'No Rent' manifesto, to support your arguments.
- Compare and contrast the roles of Davitt, Forster and Parnell to show their differing approaches and impacts.
- Link the land issue to broader political developments, such as the rise of Home Rule, to demonstrate understanding of significance.
Try the lesson
The start of the Paper 3, Option 36.2: Ireland and the Union, c1774–1923 - 4 The Irish land issue, 1870–82: The roles of Michael Davitt, William Edward Forster and Charles Stewart Parnell during the Land Wars; the impact of the Irish Land League; the Land Act 1881, reaction in Ireland and the Kilmainham Treaty 1882. lesson, made from checked teaching notes for this specification point.
Have a go first
Which figure founded the Irish National Land League in October 1879?
Listen
The Land Wars (1879–82) arose from agrarian distress and tenant grievances. Michael Davitt, a Fenian, co-founded the Irish National Land League in 1879 with Charles Stewart Parnell, who became its president and linked land agitation to Home Rule. William Edward Forster, Chief Secretary for Ireland from 1880, enforced coercion through the Protection of Person and Property Act 1881, earning the nickname 'Buckshot'. The Land League organised rent strikes, boycotts and 'No Rent' protests, significantly impacting landlord-tenant relations. Gladstone's Land Act 1881 granted fair rents, free sale and fixity of tenure, but excluded leaseholders and arrears, leading to rejection in Ireland. The Kilmainham Treaty 1882 saw Parnell agree to moderate agitation in return for arrears relief and a more conciliatory policy, marking a shift in his strategy. A strong answer earns marks for these points. Explain Davitt's role: he provided organisational skill and radical land nationalisation ideas, co-founding the Land League and mobilising tenants. Explain Forster's role: as Chief Secretary, he implemented coercive legislation and arrested Land League leaders, contrasting with Gladstone's conciliatory land reform. Explain Parnell's role: he used his political position to lead the Land League, connect land agitation with Home Rule, and later negotiate the Kilmainham Treaty. Assess the impact of the Irish Land League: it united tenants, popularised boycotting, and forced the British government to address land reform. A common slip: Confusing the roles of Davitt and Parnell: Davitt was the radical organiser, while Parnell was the political leader. Instead, clearly distinguish their contributions. Exam tip: Use specific evidence, such as the founding of the Land League in 1879 or the 'No Rent' manifesto, to support your arguments.
Put the events in order
Put these events in the order they happened, earliest first.
- 1. The Kilmainham Treaty saw Parnell agree to moderate agitation
- 2. Davitt and Parnell co-founded the Irish National Land League
- 3. The Land Act granted fair rents, free sale and fixity of tenure
- 4. Forster became Chief Secretary for Ireland
Key words
Say what each word means before you turn the card.
Agrarian agitation and tenant rights
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Coercion versus conciliation in British policy
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The politicisation of the Irish land question
Try answering aloud or in your head before turning the card.
Leadership and strategy in nationalist movements
Try answering aloud or in your head before turning the card.
See every definition
- Agrarian agitation and tenant rights
- Unrest arising from agrarian distress and tenant grievances, expressed through rent strikes, boycotts and 'No Rent' protests.
- Coercion versus conciliation in British policy
- The contrast between Forster's enforcement of coercion through the Protection of Person and Property Act 1881 and Gladstone's conciliatory land reform.
- The politicisation of the Irish land question
- The linking of land agitation to Home Rule by Parnell, who became president of the Irish National Land League.
- Leadership and strategy in nationalist movements
- The differing contributions of Davitt as radical organiser and Parnell as political leader, whose strategy shifted with the Kilmainham Treaty.
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Test your understanding of Paper 3, Option 36.2: Ireland and the Union, c1774–1923 - 4 The Irish land issue, 1870–82: The roles of Michael Davitt, William Edward Forster and Charles Stewart Parnell during the Land Wars; the impact of the Irish Land League; the Land Act 1881, reaction in Ireland and the Kilmainham Treaty 1882.
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