Ireland and the Union, c1774–1923 — Edexcel A-Level History Revision

    The Irish land issue, 1870–82, focuses on the legislative and social attempts to resolve land tenure problems in Ireland, including the impact of the Land

    Topic Synopsis

    The Irish land issue, 1870–82, focuses on the legislative and social attempts to resolve land tenure problems in Ireland, including the impact of the Land Acts and the Land League's agitation.

    Key Concepts & Core Principles

    Examiner Marking Points

    Ireland and the Union, c1774–1923

    EDEXCEL
    A-Level

    The Irish land issue, 1870–82, focuses on the legislative and social attempts to resolve land tenure problems in Ireland, including the impact of the Land Acts and the Land League's agitation.

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    Subtopics in this area

    The Irish land issue, 1870–82

    Topic Overview

    This topic explores the complex and often turbulent relationship between Ireland and Great Britain from the late 18th century to the early 20th century. It begins with the era of the Protestant Ascendancy and the impact of the American and French Revolutions, which inspired Irish demands for legislative independence and Catholic emancipation. Key events include the 1798 Rebellion, the Act of Union (1800) that created the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, and the subsequent struggle for Catholic rights led by Daniel O'Connell. The period also covers the Great Famine (1845–1851), which devastated Ireland and intensified nationalist sentiment, and the rise of movements for Home Rule and, ultimately, independence.

    The narrative continues through the late 19th century, with the Land War, the rise of Charles Stewart Parnell and the Irish Parliamentary Party, and the repeated failures of Home Rule bills. The early 20th century saw the emergence of cultural nationalism, the Ulster Covenant, and the Easter Rising of 1916, which transformed Irish politics. The War of Independence (1919–1921) and the Anglo-Irish Treaty led to the partition of Ireland and the creation of the Irish Free State, while Northern Ireland remained part of the UK. This topic is crucial for understanding the origins of modern Irish and British identities, the legacy of colonialism, and the ongoing conflict in Northern Ireland.

    Studying this period allows students to analyse key themes such as nationalism, unionism, religion, land ownership, and political violence. It also provides insight into how historical events shape contemporary issues, including Brexit's impact on the Irish border. Mastery of this topic requires understanding the interplay of political, social, and economic factors, and the ability to evaluate different historical interpretations.

    Key Concepts

    Core ideas you must understand for this topic

    • →Protestant Ascendancy: The dominance of a small Anglican minority in Ireland, controlling land, politics, and religion, which excluded Catholics and Presbyterians from power.
    • →Act of Union (1800): Abolished the Irish Parliament and created the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, with Irish representation at Westminster. It was driven by British fears of Irish rebellion and French invasion.
    • →Home Rule: The demand for a devolved Irish parliament within the UK, which dominated late 19th-century politics. It was supported by most Irish nationalists but opposed by Unionists, especially in Ulster.
    • →Ulster Unionism: The movement to maintain the union with Britain, concentrated in the northern province of Ulster, where Protestants were a majority. It was characterised by resistance to Home Rule, including the formation of the Ulster Volunteer Force.
    • →Easter Rising (1916): A failed rebellion in Dublin that was initially unpopular but became a catalyst for Irish nationalism after the British executed its leaders. It shifted support from Home Rule to full independence.

    What You Need to Demonstrate

    Key skills and knowledge for this topic

    • The significance of the Dublin Land Conference 1870 and the reasons for the Land Act 1870.
    • The impact of the 'long depression' on Irish agriculture, including tenancies, evictions, and rent strikes.
    • The roles of Michael Davitt, William Edward Forster, and Charles Stewart Parnell during the Land Wars.
    • The impact of the Irish Land League.
    • The significance of the Land Act 1881, reaction in Ireland, and the Kilmainham Treaty 1882.

    Marking Points

    Key points examiners look for in your answers

    • The significance of the Dublin Land Conference 1870 and the reasons for the Land Act 1870.
    • The impact of the 'long depression' on Irish agriculture, including tenancies, evictions, and rent strikes.
    • The roles of Michael Davitt, William Edward Forster, and Charles Stewart Parnell during the Land Wars.
    • The impact of the Irish Land League.
    • The significance of the Land Act 1881, reaction in Ireland, and the Kilmainham Treaty 1882.

    Examiner Tips

    Expert advice for maximising your marks

    • 💡Use specific examples to support your arguments. For instance, when discussing the failure of Home Rule, refer to the 1886 and 1893 bills, the Parliament Act 1911, and the Ulster Covenant (1912). This shows detailed knowledge.
    • 💡Understand different historical perspectives. For example, when analysing the 1798 Rebellion, consider the views of nationalists (who see it as a fight for freedom), unionists (who see it as a threat to stability), and social historians (who focus on sectarian violence).
    • 💡Link events across the period. For example, show how the 1798 Rebellion influenced the Act of Union, and how the failure of Home Rule led to the rise of Sinn Féin and the War of Independence. This demonstrates a grasp of causation and continuity.

    Common Mistakes

    Pitfalls to avoid in your exam answers

    • Misconception: The Act of Union was solely a British imposition. Correction: While Britain pushed for union, many Irish Protestants supported it as a way to protect their interests, and some Catholics hoped for emancipation. It was passed by the Irish Parliament, albeit with bribery and patronage.
    • Misconception: The Great Famine was a deliberate genocide. Correction: While British policies exacerbated the famine (e.g., laissez-faire economics, export of food), there is no evidence of a deliberate plan to exterminate the Irish. However, many historians argue that British negligence amounted to 'ethnic cleansing' or 'genocide by neglect'.
    • Misconception: The Easter Rising was widely supported at the time. Correction: Initially, Dubliners were hostile to the rebels, who were seen as causing destruction and loss of life. Public opinion shifted only after the British executed the leaders, turning them into martyrs.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Common questions students ask about this topic

    Before You Start

    Prior knowledge that will help with this topic

    • •A basic understanding of 18th-century British politics, including the role of the monarchy, Parliament, and the Protestant Succession.
    • •Familiarity with the American and French Revolutions and their impact on ideas of liberty, nationalism, and rebellion.
    • •Knowledge of the Reformation and the religious divisions in Ireland between Catholics, Anglicans, and Presbyterians.

    Key Terminology

    Essential terms to know

    Likely Command Words

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