ABSTRACT
In the last quarter of the nineteenth century a vigorous political movement emerged in Ireland seeking home rule, a form of devolved government that would give Ireland control of its own affairs while remaining within the imperial framework. Ireland would remain part of the United Kingdom with Great Britain that was formed in 1801 but the Westminster Parliament would not have sole legislative jurisdiction for Ireland. Home rule was the latest manifestation of a nineteenth-century tradition of using constitutional means to achieve some modification of the Act of Union and was preceded by O'Connell's emancipation and repeal movements in the 1820s and 1840s, and the Independent Irish Party in the 1850s.
Home rule:Devolved government for Ireland within the United Kingdom. Existed in Northern Ireland 1921–72.
Act of Union:Political, economic and religious union of Ireland with Great Britain from 1801 until 1921.
