In the eighteenth century, many people in Ireland were not happy with how Ireland was ruled by the king in England. Ireland had a parliament in Dublin, but most of the time it could only pass laws that the king of England agreed with.
When the American colonies broke free from England, some people hoped that Ireland would be able to become free from English rule also. People liked the ideas of liberty and equality, which they heard about during the French Revolution.
Illustration of United Irishmen in training
Here is an illustration of the United Irishmen in training. You can see they are mostly armed with pikes. These are the long spear like instruments.
Courtesy of National LibraryIllustration of United Irishmen in training
Courtesy of National Library
Courtesy of National Library
Illustration of United Irishmen in training
Here is an illustration of the United Irishmen in training. You can see they are mostly armed with pikes. These are the long spear like instruments.
Courtesy of National Library
In 1791, a group called the United Irishmen were set up. They wanted Irish people of all faiths to unite and create an Irish Republic which would give rights to everyone. In 1798, they tried to defeat the British by starting a rebellion.