Origins of Conflict The conflict within Northern Ireland stretches centuries back to the Anglo-Norman intervention of Ireland in 1167. Both the English and Irish populations were never completely united. As a result, the two populations found themselves living on a small island beside each other. Differences between the two populations became more prominent during the reign of Henry VIII. The break from Rome placed Henry VIII with a tense relationship with Catholic Europe. The king introduced religion into Irish politics for the first time. In response to this, resistance came about towards the British Crown in 1534 when Kildare Heir, also known as Lord Offaly, led a catholic revolt against the protestant English Kin in Ireland. Despite these attempts, it was put down at a febrile pace and those involved were executed. The Battle of Drogheda In September 1649, Oliver Cromwell laid siege to Drogheda, which was a town on the east coast of Ireland. The town had been garrisoned by a coalition of Roman Catholics. This was in result from the Confederates and Royalists in their quest to expel from Ireland. All 2,800 of Drogheda's defenders were massacred.
The Battle of Boyne In 1690, the previously disposed Catholic King James II was defeated by the Protestant King William III, which ensured Protestant Supremacy. 1798 Rebellion The rebellion in Ireland, which occurred in 1798, was organized by the United Irishman. The United Irishman was a revolutionary republican group who had been inspired by the revolutions of France and America. The rebellion last for several months and ultimately ended up failing.
The Act of Union The Act of Union was passed in January of 1801, which made Ireland and England one state as a result of the rebellion convincing William Pitt that this was necessary for national security. Out of this act, the United Kingdom was created, the Irish Parliament was abolished, and the Church of Ireland and England were united.
Catholic Emancipation In response to the Act of Union, the Catholic association campaign for Catholic emancipation.