Catholic Emancipation

Explain why Daniel O'Connell wanted to achieve Emancipation.

Daniel O'Connell's political ideology made him believe strongly in civil and religious liberties for Catholics. O'Connell advocated uing Parliamentary means to obtain political & religious equality in Ireland.

In 1800 Pitt gave the impression that Catholics would be accorded their full political rights - but he had been opposed by George III and Pitt resigned rather than go to war with the Crown re: Emancipation. O'Connell believed granting Emancipation would end resentment Catholics felt since Pitt's promise was never fulfilled.

Emancipation would enable Catholics to participate more fully in the electoral process. Catholics could be elected to parliament and lobby for the redress of Catholic grievances, inluding the payment of a tithe by Catholics to…