As the Gaelic chieftains lost power, the culture and language of the Gaelic Irish declined. By 1700, English was already the main language of power and of trade. The Gaelic Brehon laws were replaced by English laws. English farming methods replaced the Gaelic ways in many areas, leading to more tillage (crop farming) relative to cattle farming. Forests were cleared and land was divided into fields using hedges and ditches. More towns were built during the Plantations, leading to a more urban society. Together, these changed the Gaelic way of life and Irish culture generally.
CHECKPOINT!
1. Explain the term Penal Laws. 2. How did the Penal Laws affect the education that Catholics could receive?
3. Give an example of how Irish identity was affected by the Plantations in terms of (a) religion; (b) politics; and (c) culture.
4. The map above shows where Irish was spoken daily around 1700. Explain why you think it looks like this.
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I can describe the overall results of the Plantations and explain their effect on Irish identity.
