1.+c)+The+Conflict

The Conflict Act of Union 1800 The Act of Union 1800 brought the English and Irish under the same kingdom. It was now known as the United Kingdom of England and Ireland. The Englisg sought to gain more control over the Irish this way and reap the economic benfits of the produce grown in Ireland. The union was met with anger by Nationalists. The anger and resent towards the British and the desire for an Independent Irish Kingdom led to many violent insurrections and the establishment of groups such as the Irish Republican Brotherhood and the Fenians. Home Rule This concept was first used in the the mid 1800's. It meant that Ireland would still be part of England but they would have their own parliament and govern their own affairs. There were people that were for this idea and for a while even the Fenians and IRB looked as though they were in. Protestants and Unionsists in Ireland were definitely against the idea of Home Rule. It meant for them the minority that the Irish Catholics would have more control. This led to the Ulster Volunteer Force led by Charles Steward Parnwell a lawyer who strongly opposed Home Rule. In England the Home Rule Bill was declined twice. Finally on the third attempt it was passed by the British Parliament. It was then The UVF opposed the Home Rule Bill and demanded it be rethought. At this point World War I had just broken out and so the idea of Home Rule was put to the side once again. The outbreak of World War I meant that the British would be very occupied and disinterested in teh Irish problems. A perfect chance for Fenians and the IRB to use force to get what they want while the English had their hands tied in the Western Front.