1.1.4.1 Young Ireland

• Young supporters of the repeal movement were largely associated with the weekly newspaper Nation which formulated a broader set of ideas about Irish nationalism which would be achieved by any means necessary
• Ideas of Young Ireland:

  1. Included everyone regardless of religion
  2. Demanded complete separation from Britain
  3. Embraced a more romantic view of nationalism
• Whilst the younger generation believed that Young Ireland captured a spirit of nationalism, the older generation was more sceptical, believing the movement to be too naive
• The Young Ireland movement was initially created to support the Repeal Association but seceded after O'Connell refused to use violence as a legitimate method. It established its own platform known as the Irish Confederation
• The ideas of Young Ireland did not enjoy much support outside of Dublin and were not well supported by the Catholic clergy. This meant that the movement could not build up a support base strong enough to act
• Young Ireland was also divided between its leaders. Moderates, such as Charles Gavin Duffy, advocated for parliamentary pressure whilst others, such as John Mitchel, favoured a more radical approach which encouraged peasant led rebellions