A fi nal attempt was made to land more French troops in Ireland in October. Some 3,000 soldiers sailed for Donegal, led by Admiral Bompart, but they were captured by the British navy at Lough Swilly. Tone was on board one of the ships and was sent to Dublin for trial. After he was found guilty of treason, he asked for ‘a soldier’s death’ (by fi ring squad). This was refused – but before he could be hanged, Tone tried to commit suicide by cutting his own throat. However, he was unsuccessful and fi ve days passed before he died of these wounds.
The death of Tone
COLLABORATE: Many songs were written about the events of the 1798 Rebellion. Research one: fi nd the lyrics (and a recording if you can!) and fi nd out about the truth behind the events described in the song. Report on your fi ndings to the rest of your class.
Why did the United Irishmen’s rebellion fail?
The rebels were badly organised and trained They had few decent weapons, mainly using long pikes against British rifl es They received no useful French help They were infi ltrated by British spies They faced much stronger government forces
CHECKPOINT!
1. What was the signal for the start of the rebellion? 2. Why did the Dublin rebels fail so quickly? 3. What happened to the rebellion in Ulster? 4. How was the rebellion in Wexford different from those in other areas? Give two reasons. 5. Is it correct to describe the French help as ‘too little, too late’? Explain your answer. 6. Which reason for the rebellion’s failure do you think is the most important? Explain your answer.
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7. What role did Tone play in: (a) the foundation of the United Irishmen; (b) getting support for the United Irishmen from abroad; (c) the events of 1798? I understand the main events of the 1798 Rebellion.
