Origin and progress of the Irish Union, as presented to the Irish Government, in the words of those who shaped it
A detailed account of the social and political forces that formed the United Irishmen and their push for reform, liberty, and constitutional change. It also records examinations before secret committees and the evolving debates over national identity, Catholic rights, and relations with England.
This edition frames the rise of reform groups, the spread of conspiratorial committees, and the push to redefine Ireland’s constitutional status. It blends historical narrative with testimony, shedding light on the aims, tensions, and strategic decisions that drove a volatile era.
- Explains how reformers sought a broad reform, including electoral changes and Catholic rights.
- Describes the formation and operation of new societies focused on united action.
- Includes conversations and testimonies that reveal motives, risks, and political calculations.
- Offers context on religious, legal, and economic tensions shaping the union’s trajectory.
Ideal for readers of Irish history and 18th‑century political reform, seeking a documentary perspective on the period.