The Emergence of the Home Rule Movement in Nineteenth Century
Ireland
How did Isaac Butt become an Irish nationalist? How do his ideals differ to that
of the Fenian cause?
Previously an Ulster Unionist, and a Conservative MP, Butt’s working
relationship with the Fenians (some of whom he defended in court) and his
disappointment in Westminster’s handling of Irish affairs led him to embrace
Irish nationalism. However, unlike the Fenians, he did not support any use of
violence in achieving nationalist aims. Additionally, Butt did not want a fully
independent Ireland. Instead he pushed for a form of self-government where
Ireland would control internal affairs whilst maintaining the Union. He hoped
to preserve the Anglo-Irish relationship.
Summarise the aims of the Home Government Association
The Home Government Association (established 1870) solely focused
on Home Rule, and aimed to attract all men regardless of religious or political
affiliations (ie. was non-sectarian). It wanted an Irish government to deal with
domestic issues (eg. education) that was elected by the Irish electorate.
What support did the organisation hold? How did they grow their support?
The Home Government Association didn’t hold great support, and Butt
failed to ever achieve mass Irish mobilisation during his career. Rees
describes the organisation as “no more than a comfortable, middle class
talking shop”. It also had limited support from Irish Catholics, who supported
Gladstone instead because they hoped the Liberals would deliver Irish reform.
Ireland
How did Isaac Butt become an Irish nationalist? How do his ideals differ to that
of the Fenian cause?
Previously an Ulster Unionist, and a Conservative MP, Butt’s working
relationship with the Fenians (some of whom he defended in court) and his
disappointment in Westminster’s handling of Irish affairs led him to embrace
Irish nationalism. However, unlike the Fenians, he did not support any use of
violence in achieving nationalist aims. Additionally, Butt did not want a fully
independent Ireland. Instead he pushed for a form of self-government where
Ireland would control internal affairs whilst maintaining the Union. He hoped
to preserve the Anglo-Irish relationship.
Summarise the aims of the Home Government Association
The Home Government Association (established 1870) solely focused
on Home Rule, and aimed to attract all men regardless of religious or political
affiliations (ie. was non-sectarian). It wanted an Irish government to deal with
domestic issues (eg. education) that was elected by the Irish electorate.
What support did the organisation hold? How did they grow their support?
The Home Government Association didn’t hold great support, and Butt
failed to ever achieve mass Irish mobilisation during his career. Rees
describes the organisation as “no more than a comfortable, middle class
talking shop”. It also had limited support from Irish Catholics, who supported
Gladstone instead because they hoped the Liberals would deliver Irish reform.
