The United Irishmen

Ireland has experienced centuries of struggle to achieve independence. At the heart of this struggle, the United Irishmen occupy a special place. Founded at the end of the 18th century, this revolutionary movement left its mark on Irish history with its call for the unity of Irish people of all faiths to achieve national independence. A look back at an organization that worked for centuries to end British occupation of the island of Ireland.

History of the United Irishmen

Origins

Theobald Wolfe Tone – Public Domain

The United Irishmen were founded in Belfast in 1791, inspired by the ideals of the French Revolution and the Enlightenment.

Originally, the group was made up of Protestants, Catholics and dissidents. All were united in their desire for parliamentary reform and religious equality.

They aspired to a profound geopolitical change on the island of Ireland, at a time when the country was literally crushed by the authority and bullying of the British Empire.

A revolutionary movement

Faced with opposition from the British government and failed attempts at reform, the United Irishmen radicalized from a reform movement to a revolutionary organization.

Under the influence of charismatic leaders such as Wolfe Tone, they sought the help of revolutionary France to launch an insurrection against British rule.

The Uprising of 1798

The culmination of United Irishmen action was the uprising of 1798. This revolt broke out in May, with insurrections in several Irish counties.

Despite some initial successes, the uprising was largely crushed by British forces. Wolfe Tone was captured and died in prison, symbolizing the failure of the uprising.

After the failure of this insurrection, the organization was largely dismantled and did not survive as such beyond the early 19th century.

The Act of Union of 1800

One of the direct consequences of the 1798 rebellion was the Act of Union of 1800, which led to the dissolution of the Irish Parliament and the integration of Ireland into the United Kingdom. This measure, far from resolving tensions, fueled Irish resistance and aspirations for independence.

The legacy of the United Irishmen

Today, however, the United Irishmen are regarded as forerunners of the Irish nationalist movement.

Their vision of a united and independent Ireland, free from religious divisions, influenced many generations of Irish nationalists centuries later. Their 1798 uprising is commemorated as a key moment in the struggle for Irish independence.

Monuments and tributes across Ireland commemorate their sacrifice. Their story is taught in schools as an example of resistance in the face of oppression, and of the tireless quest for justice and equality.

Founding members

The ranks of the United Irishmen’s Society have included some eminent Irish and British figures. They include :

Theobald Wolfe Tone: Considered the father of Irish republicanism, Wolfe Tone was instrumental in organizing French aid for the insurrection of 1798. He was captured by British forces and died in prison in controversial circumstances.
Lord Edward Fitzgerald: A member of the Anglo-Irish aristocracy, Fitzgerald was one of the main military organizers of the insurrection. He was arrested before the uprising and died of his injuries in prison.
Thomas Russell: A close friend of Wolfe Tone and fervent Republican, Russell played a key role in the attempt to revive the insurrection after the failure of 1798. He was executed for his role in the preparations for an uprising in 1803.
James Napper Tandy: A leading figure in the Irish republican movement, Tandy tried to raise French support for the Irish cause. He was captured but eventually released and died in exile.
Henry Joy McCracken: McCracken led the rebel forces in County Antrim during the insurrection of 1798. After the failure of the insurrection, he was captured and executed.
Samuel Neilson: Neilson used his talents as a journalist to promote the ideas of the United Irishmen. He was involved in organizing the insurrection but was arrested before it began.