Week 2, Lecture 6 - Henry Grattan and the Winning of Legislative Independence

Summary

The video script recounts the pivotal moment in Irish history when the American Revolution's cry of 'no taxation without representation' inspired Irish patriots to seek parliamentary independence. Despite Ireland's Parliament being stripped of real power, figures like Henry Gratton and volunteer corps pushed for change. Gratton's impassioned speeches in 1782 led to the Irish Parliament gaining the right to legislate for itself, marking a significant yet symbolic victory. However, the period, known as Gratton's Parliament, was not as prosperous as romanticized, with the Irish state nearly bankrupt by 1800 and the Parliament remaining exclusive to Protestants.

Takeaways

• 🗽 The American War of Independence in 1775 influenced Irish sentiments, as the Irish Parliament was similarly powerless despite having representation.
• 🏰 The Irish Parliament's inability to legislate for itself was due to acts like Poynings Law and the Declaratory Act, which downgraded its authority.
• 🤝 The French support for the American colonists in 1778 led to Britain moving troops out of Ireland, causing resentment among Irish Patriots.
• 👥 Volunteer corps emerged in Ireland in the late 1770s, acting as a paramilitary force demanding rights for the Irish Parliament and people.
• 🎖️ Henry Gratton, an Irish Patriot and orator, became a key figure in the push for Irish parliamentary independence, leading the Dublin volunteer corps.
• 🗣️ Gratton's speech on April 16, 1782, marked a pivotal moment in Irish history, with his call for Ireland to be recognized as a nation with its own legislative rights.
• 💵 The Irish Parliament awarded Gratton £50,000 for his influential speech, a significant sum that allowed him to purchase a house and start a new life.
• 🔄 The victory of the Irish Parliament's independence was short-lived, as Britain passed the Act of Union in 1800, abolishing the Irish Parliament.
• 🤝 The period of Gratton's Parliament was seen as a time of prosperity and national identity, despite the reality of economic struggles and social divisions.
• 🏛️ The Irish Parliament of the time was predominantly Protestant, with Catholics excluded from voting and holding seats, reflecting the social and political inequalities of the era.

Q & A

What was the significance of the American War of Independence for Ireland?

The American War of Independence resonated in Ireland because the demand for 'no taxation without representation' mirrored Irish sentiments. Although Ireland had its own Parliament, it was largely powerless due to the Poynings Law and the Declaratory Act, which limited its legislative autonomy.

How did the weakening of the British military presence in Ireland due to the American War impact Ireland?

The British moved troops out of Ireland to protect Britain from potential French invasion, which offended Irish Patriots like Henry Grattan. It highlighted Ireland's vulnerability and lack of defense, leading to the formation of volunteer corps to act as a paramilitary force demanding rights for the Irish Parliament.

Who was Henry Grattan and why is he significant in Irish history?

Henry Grattan was a prominent Irish politician and orator, considered the father of the Constitutional nationalist tradition. He is significant for his role in achieving legislative independence for the Irish Parliament in 1782, earning him the nickname 'the great orator' and a substantial award from the Irish Parliament.

What were the Volunteer Corps and their role in Irish politics during the late 18th century?

The Volunteer Corps were groups of citizens who formed military units to demand rights for the Irish Parliament and people. They acted as a paramilitary force, putting pressure on Britain to concede to Irish demands, and played a significant role in the push for legislative independence.

What was the outcome of Henry Grattan's speech on April 16, 1782, in the Irish Parliament?

Henry Grattan's speech was so impactful that the Irish House of Commons awarded him £50,000, an enormous sum at the time. This award allowed him to buy a house and solidified his reputation as a key figure in Irish politics, despite later controversies and challenges to his leadership.

What was the role of the French involvement in the American War in relation to Ireland?

France's entry into the war on the side of the American colonists led to Britain moving troops out of Ireland to protect itself from potential invasion. This action highlighted Ireland's vulnerability and contributed to the formation of the Volunteer Corps, which in turn pressured Britain for greater Irish autonomy.

How did the defeat of General Charles Cornwallis at the Battle of Yorktown influence Ireland?

The defeat of General Cornwallis led to the collapse of the British government and created an atmosphere of uncertainty. This provided an opportunity for Irish Patriots to press for further rights, leading to the repeal of restrictive legislation and a declaration of the Irish Parliament's right to self-legislation.

What was the controversy surrounding the £50,000 award given to Henry Grattan?

The £50,000 award was seen by some as excessive, leading to accusations that Grattan had been bought off and questions about his commitment to further Irish rights. This controversy contributed to a shift in public opinion and political dynamics, with figures like Henry Flood emerging as rivals to Grattan.

What was the impact of the legislative independence won in 1782 on the Irish Parliament?

The legislative independence of 1782 allowed the Irish Parliament to pass laws without prior approval from Britain, marking a significant step towards self-governance. However, the exact extent of this independence was ambiguous, leading to ongoing debates and British concerns about Ireland's status.

How did the memory of Grattan's Parliament influence later Irish political movements?

The period of Grattan's Parliament was later romanticized as a time of prosperity and national pride. Figures like Daniel O'Connell and Charles Stewart Parnell looked back to this period as an ideal to be restored, and the Irish Volunteers of the early 20th century also drew inspiration from this era.