The growth of Irish Nationalism

1
The growth of Irish Nationalism
2
The Famine

• After the resignation of Peel in 1846, the new
  Whig government (led by Russell), appointed
  Charles Trevelyan to take control of Famine
  policy.
• He was concerned that the Irish would become too
  dependent on the British government he argued
  that Irish property should support Irish
  poverty

3
Laissez-Faire

• Trevelyan believed that Peels policy of
  providing cheap Indian corn meal through food
  depots to the Irish was wrong, as it undercut
  market prices and discouraged private food
  dealers from importing food.
• When the harvest of 1846 was affected by blight
  panic set in the free market relief plan
  depended on peasants earning money through public
  works employment and using it to buy food.
  However, their wages were too low.

4
Laissez-Faire

• Trevelyans policy of public works failed In
  February and March 1847, 700,000 worked at
  useless projects while never earning enough to
  halt starvation.
• Between March and June 1847, the British
  government gradually closed all the public works
  projects through Ireland. The government decided
  to feed the Irish through soup kitchens.
• Demand exceeded supply in Killarney there was
  just 1 kitchen for 10,000 persons.

5
Results

• Rebellion 1848 Young Ireland blamed the British.
  Ideas of Fintan Lalor and the focus on an
  Independent Irish Republic
• Focus on land.
• Emigration Fenian Movement 1858
• Any others ?

6
Nationalism

• How does the Famine feed nationalism ?
• Look at this short video and assess its impact.
• http//www.youtube.com/watch?vvEz5mS_XQcQ