1798 Rebellion

Question 1

2 causes of the 1798 rebellion

Answer 1

The position of Catholics
The influence of the American and French Revolutions

Question 2

Explain the The influence of the American and French Revolutions

Answer 2

The events of the American and French Revolutions had a big impact on Ireland. They were widely reported in Irish newspapers and Irish troops brought back stories of what was happening abroad. Many Catholics and Presbyterians were excited by and attracted to the ideas of liberty and equality behind these revolutions.

Question 3

Explain the The position of Catholics

Answer 3

Catholics made up 75% of the population of the island but only owned about 15% of the land. Catholics were discriminated against by the Penal Laws - laws designed to keep Catholics poor and powerless e.g Catholics could not vote or sit in parliament and Catholics had to pay tithes (10% of their income) to Church of Ireland (Protestant) clergy.

While some of the worst laws were repealed in the 1770s, Catholics still had no say in how the country was run. By the 1790s, most Catholics were poor, under-educated tenant farmers who resented the high rents and tithes they had to pay.

Question 4

Name 2 example of the penal laws

Answer 4

Catholics could not vote or sit in parliament.

Catholics had to pay tithes (10% of their income) to Church of Ireland (Protestant) clergy.