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Ireland
AD 1750-1900 The Industrial Age This period was one of political turmoil, poverty and suffering for millions of Irish people. A lack of coal and iron, the two main resources needed to exploit the technology of the Industrial Revolution, was one of the reasons why Ireland was not transformed by these developments in the same way as other countries. Apart from the northeast of the country, where imported coal meant that industries such as linen production and ship-building were successfully set up, the majority of Irish people continued to make a living from farming. Despite attempts by groups inspired by the French Revolution of 1789 to prevent it, the Act of Union was passed in 1801 and Ireland became part of the United Kingdom. However, when the Great Famine occurred a few decades later, many people both in Ireland and in England felt that England abandoned its responsibility to Ireland. The Famine was a result of the Irish reliance on farming. When the potato crop failed in 1845-7, an enormous number of people were left without food. It is estimated that around one million died of starvation and another million emigrated during the Famine. A renewed interest and pride in Irish history and culture arose around this time, and movements dedicated to campaigning for Home Rule were established. |
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