Ireland year 1970 stamps Patriots complete set MNH

Ireland year 1970 stamps Patriots complete set ☀ MNH**

The political history of Ireland in the eighteenth century was largely shaped by the efforts of Irish patriots to secure political freedom for their country. Despite the Irish Parliament being composed entirely of Protestants and chosen by Protestant voters, it remained subject to English power. Poyning’s Act, which required all Irish measures to be submitted to the English privy council, and a law giving the English Parliament power to make laws for Ireland, were still in force.

The Irish patriots aimed to remove these restrictions, give the Irish Parliament the power to make laws without English interference, and reform the Parliament to better represent the Irish people. They faced numerous grievances, including the diversion of Irish revenues to English favorites, the suppression of Irish trade and industries, and the establishment of charter schools aimed at converting poor Catholic children to Protestantism.

Led by figures like Dean Swift, Charles Lucas, and later Henry Flood and Henry Grattan, the Irish patriots formed a political party that opposed the government in Parliament. They advocated for Ireland’s rights through peaceful methods such as public discussion and agitation. Despite facing corruption and bribery from the English government, the patriots continued to grow in influence.

Henry Flood, known for his oratory skills and ambition, initially led the patriots but later accepted a government office, leading to his alienation from the patriot cause. He was succeeded by Henry Grattan, whose eloquence, patriotism, and leadership qualities made him a prominent figure in the struggle for Irish independence.

Grattan’s leadership coincided with significant events such as the American Revolution, which provided Ireland with an opportunity to secure parliamentary independence. With the rise of the Irish Volunteers, an armed force of fervent patriots, Grattan successfully pushed for Ireland’s right to trade freely with the colonies and eventually achieved a free and independent Irish Parliament in 1782.

Despite this triumph, the Irish Parliament remained composed solely of Protestants and excluded Catholics, who comprised the majority of the population. Nonetheless, the achievement of legislative independence marked a significant step forward in Ireland’s struggle for political freedom.