The United Irishmen

The United Irish movement of the 1790s launched a tradition of revolutionary republicanism in Ireland which continues to the present day. This text examines the origins, context, nature and practice of the early Irish republicanism. It is primarily concerned with the hitherto largely neglected internal dynamics of the movement from its inception in 1791 to its defeat in the great rebellion of 1798. The author explores its ideology, propaganda, social composition and mobilization, and shows how these threads were woven together by an emerging liberalism not usually associated with the republican tradition and which only fitfully survived the demise of the radical movement. Professor Curtin shows how class and religious tensions contributed to the United Irish failure, but at the same time highlights its successes. She places her analysis of United Irish mobilization, both ideologically and organizationally, within the context of revolution and counter-revolution in late 18th-century Ireland.