By the late 1790s, revolutions had taken place in America and France. These revolutions had been fought for freedom and equality and against the ideas that kings had the power to rule as they wished, or that people should have to live under unjust governments.
These concepts had a huge impact on Ireland. Inspired by these ideals, the United Irishmen emerged to challenge British rule in Ireland.
The 1798 Rebellion Type of source Category
Primary Primary Written Written
WORKING WITH THE EVIDENCE! —————————————
—————————— Example
Writings of the leaders of the rebellion: pamphlets, letters and diaries from people such as Theobald Wolfe Tone and Lord Edward FitzGerald
Newspapers from the time, such as the United Irishmen’s Northern Star.
Offi cial British government documents: (military reports, politicians’ orders, debates in the parliaments in Dublin and London) and intelligence from the large spy network that operated amongst the rebels
The Northern Star newspaper
Classified document Why are classifi ed (secret) documents and spy reports important sources for historians? 194
