Ireland in the Coalition Wars facts for kids

Ireland played a part in a series of big wars in Europe, known as the Coalition Wars. These included the French Revolutionary Wars (from 1792 to 1802) and the Napoleonic Wars (from 1804 to 1815). At this time, Ireland was ruled by the United Kingdom. It was also the place where the Irish Rebellion of 1798 happened, with some help from France. A smaller uprising in 1803 also took place, but it didn't get French help. Sadly, Ireland's top judge died during this event.

Ireland's Past and British Rule

For a long time, parts of Ireland were controlled by England. By the 1700s, the English (and later British) government ruled the whole island. This happened after several wars. These included the Nine Years' War (1594–1603) and the Williamite War (1688–1691).

Most people in Ireland were Catholic. They felt very unhappy with British rule. This was because the British government was Protestant. After the Williamite War, strict rules called the Penal Laws were put in place. These laws stopped Catholics from doing many things, like owning weapons. Most of these laws were later removed, but bad feelings remained.

Many Catholic Irish nobles left Ireland in the 1700s. This event is known as the Flight of the Wild Geese. These nobles and their soldiers often joined armies in other countries. For example, they formed "Irish Brigades" in France and Spain. These Irish soldiers continued to serve even after the French Revolution changed France's government.

Growing Tensions and the United Irishmen

By the early 1790s, things were tense in Ireland and Europe. In France, a new government called the French Republic was fighting wars. It was at war with Britain and other powerful states.

In Ireland, many people were inspired by the French Revolution. They wanted more freedom for Ireland. So, they formed a group called the Society of United Irishmen. Important early members included Theobald Wolfe Tone and Henry Joy McCracken.

The 1798 Irish Rebellion

Planning the Uprising

British officials in Ireland were suspicious of the United Irishmen. In 1794, they found out that Theobald Wolfe Tone was talking with the French government. The British broke up the group. But the United Irishmen soon secretly reformed. They became even more determined to overthrow British rule in Dublin.

In late 1796, a large French fleet sailed towards Ireland. It carried about 14,000 soldiers. But bad weather forced the ships to return to France. So, a rebellion that seemed about to happen did not start.

By 1798, the British had jailed many United Irishmen leaders. They had also put spies inside the group. British soldiers often treated the Catholic population very harshly, and the authorities often ignored these actions.

The Rebellion Begins

Despite British efforts and a lack of French help, the Irish revolt began in May 1798. Rebels stopped mail coaches near Dublin. This was the signal for the uprising to start. The United Irishmen hoped people in Dublin would join them, but they did not.

However, the rebellion gained new life in County Wexford. There, a group of British soldiers was attacked. Loyal British forces in Wexford managed to hold onto some towns. The rebels in this area were defeated at the Battle of Vinegar Hill in June. Later that month, a small French force landed in Ireland. They won an early battle but were soon defeated and had to surrender.

Other revolts across Ireland, including one in Ulster, were also stopped by the British.

After the Rebellion

The rebellion was quickly put down. Lord Cornwallis, the British leader in Ireland, helped a lot. After the uprising, the Irish Parliament was shut down. Ireland then came under the full control of the British Parliament in Westminster. This was done through the Act of Union 1800.

Ireland During the Napoleonic Wars

By 1803, the French Revolutionary Wars had ended. Napoleon Bonaparte had become the leader of France. A peace agreement was made in Europe, but it did not last long. The War of the Third Coalition began in 1803. In that same year, a smaller revolt happened in Ireland. It was called the Emmet Rebellion.

Emmet's Uprising

Robert Emmet and his brother Thomas were Irish nationalists. They were still part of the United Irishmen, which was now weaker. They planned a second Irish rebellion for 1803. They hoped for French help this time.

In July 1803, a place where the rebels kept weapons exploded. Robert Emmet decided to start the uprising early. This meant there was no chance for French help. About 200 people in Dublin began to march towards Dublin Castle. This was the British government's main building. Robert Emmet led them. (Thomas was in France, talking with Napoleon).

During this revolt, Viscount Kilwarden died. He was Ireland's top British judge. As the rebels came closer, Kilwarden left his home with his daughter and a nephew. The rebels surrounded his carriage. They killed his nephew and badly hurt Kilwarden.

Robert Emmet had not ordered this attack. He also saw that rebels in the countryside had not risen up. So, he fired a flare, which was the signal to call off the uprising. A few of his men did not obey. They attacked British soldiers, who then went back to their barracks. The revolt ended quickly. Robert Emmet was arrested and later executed.

A Time of Peace in Ireland

After Emmet's uprising, there were no more major troubles in Ireland. This lasted until after 1815. That was when the Napoleonic Wars ended with Napoleon's final defeat at the Battle of Waterloo. Some Irish people, like Robert Emmet's brother Thomas, became angry with the French. They felt the French had not helped enough in the revolts. They were also upset that France refused to plan any more invasions after 1803.