reforms
- Created by: Katie
- Created on: 13-01-14 18:07
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- Gladstone and Ireland 1
- BACKGROUND
- The Act of Union 1800 meant Ireland was under direct rule from Westminster.
- Ireland had suffered a disastrous famine in the 1840s. The British gov. did little to help and the repeal of the corn laws actually made it worse.
- Irish nationalism started to grow after the famine - the Fenian movement.
- Major land problem - security of tenure a real concern.
- The church was also a source of resentment, the established church was anglican but demanded taxes of a largely 90% catholic population. 10% of income went on this tax.
- There were many voices calling for the Irish to manage their own affairs.
- GROWTH OF FENIANISM
- After the famine a group called 'young Ireland' was formed with the ambition of ending the union with England. They carried out a failed uprising in 1848.
- The Fenian movement arose from the remains of young Ireland. They wanted to create an independant Irlenad and were prepared to use violence.
- James Stephens and John O'Mahony were early Fenian leaders. They tended to attract lower middle class support.
- The catholic church disliked the movement, possibly reducing numbers of peasant supporters.
- GLADSTONE'S REFORMS 1868-73.
- After being elected in 1868, Gladsonte stated ' my mission is to pacify Ireland' Pragmatic or moral?
- G acknowleged the fact that the Fenian violence had shocked him into action.
- 1. IRISH CHURCH ACT 1869.
- this disestablished the church of ireland, meaning it was no longer linked to the state by law.
- Irish peasants no longer had to pay a tithe to the church and the church lost about 1/4 of its wealth.
- The act faced opp. from queen victoria and the house of lords, but gladstone's clear majority in the house of commons meant the act was passed through.
- Helped unite and strengthen the liberal party and won Gladstone the support of the catholic church.
- IRISH LAND ACT 1870
- introduced the principle of fair rent, secured fixity of tenure and introduced loansto allow peasants to buy their land.
- However the act didnt define 'fair' rent, and landlords could still evict tenants who ere behind on payments. Purchasing land was still too expensive with a loan and the act made no provision for selling of leases for fear of upsetting Whig interest.
- COERCION ACT 1870
- introduced as a result of unrest after the land act. This gave the police extensive powers to carry out arrests, and fuelled further resentment towards Gladstone in Ireland.
- After being elected in 1868, Gladsonte stated ' my mission is to pacify Ireland' Pragmatic or moral?
- Home rule League in 1873, In the 1874 election, 59 home rule supporters won seats - able to voice their opinions, however they achieved little as Isaac **** was a moderate leader, leacking the authority and charisma to discipline the party and pressurise westminister.
- BACKGROUND
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