DiScOvErInG HiStOrY Reasons for the defeat The 1798 uprising that had promised so much failed for a number of reasons:
1. The British government managed to infiltrate (had spies among) the United Irishmen and other secret organisations. Their spy network meant that the British knew most of the plans that were made. The torture tactics of General Lake in Ulster and Leinster also provided them with information about the location of rebel leaders and weapons.
2. The capture of so many weapons and the arrest of rebel leaders meant that the uprising lacked organisation and equipment. The pike was of limited use against the cannons and muskets of the superior and stronger British armies.
3. The help from the French was insufficient. The only French support to land in Ireland were General Humbert and his 1,000 men – hardly enough to take on the British army of 10,000 at Ballinamuck.
4. Bad luck also played a part. Poor weather scattered the French troops at Bantry Bay in 1796 and the wounding of Lord Edward Fitzgerald days before the uprising was to take place reduced the rebels’ chances of success.
RECALL
1. Name two leaders of the Wexford uprising. 2.
Give two reasons for the failure of theWexford uprising.
3. Name the leaders of the Ulster uprising. 4. Why, in your opinion, did the Ulster uprising fail? Give two reasons. 5. What were the ‘Races of Castlebar’? 6. Whowere the leaders of the British army at the battle of Ballinamuck, County Longford? 7. What wasWolfe Tone charged with and what was his sentence? 8. How did Wolfe Tone die? 9. How did the death of Lord Edward Fitzgerald and the capture of other leaders cause difficulties for the planned uprising?
10. Give four reasons for the failure of the 1798 uprising