About this Book

The Irish and Irish Catholics in particular were maltreated and persecuted for centuries by the English government. Catholics could not own land, vote, hold public office, or practice their religion. In 1801, with the hope of a just result, Irish Parliament dissolved, and the power of the governance of Ireland was placed in the hands of Parliament in London. Along with the merge came a promise for Catholic Emancipation for Ireland It was a ruse. King George rejected Emancipation out of hand, leaving the Irish and Irish Catholics in particular in an untenable position. This outcome would leave Ireland weakened and vulnerable as it headed into the most horrific times in Irish history.