United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland

:This article is about the historical state called the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland (1801-1927). For information about its modern successor state, see the main article: United Kingdom.

Controversy

The Union was never very popular among the majority of the Irish population. Generations of Irish leaders campaigned to establish home government in Ireland. Daniel O'Connell successfully forced the British Government to grant Catholic Emancipation in 1829, by winning election to Westminster and refusing to take the Oath of Supremacy. However, his campaign to repeal the Act of Union failed. Later leaders, such as Charles Stewart Parnell, campaigned for a version of Irish self-government called Home Rule within the United Kingdom, which was nearly achieved in the 1880's under the (British) ministry of W.E. Gladstone. However, the measure was defeated in Parliament, and following the ascension of the Conservatives to the majority, the issue was buried as long as that party was in power. The constant delaying of Home Rule created the frustration that eventually led to political violence and independence.

Related Topics:
Daniel O'Connell - Catholic Emancipation - 1829 - Oath of Supremacy - Charles Stewart Parnell - Home Rule - W.E. Gladstone - Conservatives

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In 1919, Sinn Féin MPs elected to Westminster formed a unilaterally independent Irish parliament in Dublin, Dáil Éireann with an executive under the President of Dáil Éireann, Éamon de Valera. A War of Independence was fought between 1919 and 1921. Finally in December 1922, twenty-six of Ireland's counties seceded from the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland and formed the independent Irish Free State. Six counties, called Northern Ireland, remained in the United Kingdom, which was renamed the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland in 1927.

Related Topics:
1919 - Sinn Féin - Dublin - Dáil Éireann - President of Dáil Éireann - Éamon de Valera - War of Independence - 1921 - 1922 - Irish Free State - Northern Ireland - United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland - 1927

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