United Irishman (1848 newspaper) facts for kids
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| Type | weekly newspaper |
|---|---|
| Founded | 12 February 1848 |
| Political alignment | Irish nationalism |
| Language | English |
| Headquarters | Dublin |
The United Irishman was a weekly newspaper published in Dublin, Ireland, in 1848. It was started by John Mitchel and supported Irish nationalism, which meant it wanted Ireland to be independent from British rule. The British Government stopped the newspaper from being published in the same year.
Contents
History of the United Irishman Newspaper
The United Irishman newspaper played an important role in Irish history during a time of big changes.
Starting the Newspaper
Before starting the United Irishman, John Mitchel wrote for another newspaper called The Nation. This paper supported Daniel O'Connell's group, the Repeal Association, which wanted to end the union between Great Britain and Ireland.
Mitchel joined a group called Young Ireland. This group wanted Ireland to be a self-governing nation. Later, he helped create the Irish Confederation with other leaders like Thomas Devin Reilly, William Smith O'Brien, and Thomas Francis Meagher.
Mitchel felt that The Nation was not strong enough in its fight against the British government. So, he left that paper in 1847. On 12 February 1848, he published the first issue of his own newspaper, the United Irishman. His office was in Trinity Street, Dublin. Other writers for the paper included John Martin and Father John Kenyon.
What the Newspaper Covered
The United Irishman shared many things with its readers. It included articles and letters about problems people in Ireland were facing. It also promoted the idea of Irish republicanism, which means Ireland should be a republic, free from British rule. The newspaper also reported on the many protests and changes happening across Europe in 1848, including the Chartist movement in Great Britain.
Government Reaction and Suppression
The British government quickly noticed the United Irishman. On 24 February 1848, a leader in the House of Lords, Lord Stanley, spoke about the newspaper. He said that an article by Mitchel was trying to cause trouble and rebellion.
Charges Against Mitchel
Soon after, on 21 March, other Young Ireland leaders, O'Brien and Meagher, were charged with making speeches that caused trouble. Mitchel was also charged because he published three articles in the United Irishman that the government called rebellious.
A politician named George Grey even quoted Mitchel's words in the House of Commons. Mitchel had written that he was guilty of trying to overthrow the government.
Mitchel was eventually arrested. The British Parliament had just created a new serious crime called "treason felony" in April. Mitchel was charged with this new crime.
Mitchel's Trial and Sentence
Mitchel's trial began on 22 May. On Friday, 26 May, he was found guilty. The next day, he was sentenced to be sent away for 14 years to Van Diemen's Land (which is now Tasmania, Australia).
Sixteen issues of the United Irishman were printed in total. The very last issue came out on 27 May 1848. It covered Mitchel's court case and his conviction in detail. It even included a final message from Mitchel, which he wrote while in prison.
After this last issue, the government took away the newspaper's printing equipment. This stopped the United Irishman from being published anymore. However, in June, John Martin started a new newspaper called The Irish Felon. It was printed from the same office and continued to honor the subscriptions of the United Irishman. Sadly, Martin faced the same fate as Mitchel on 18 August.
