3.) What were some methods the English used against the Irish to acquire and maintain control?

The English used political tactics to gain power over weak Ireland. They took control of the Irish government and appointed their own English administrators. Those loyal to the English within the military or government were known as Unionists. The Unionist government passed unfair and discriminating acts such as the Special Powers Act (SPA). The Special Powers Act gave the police the right to arrest and imprison Irish citizens without a trial. Acts such as this were enforced by the Royal Ulster Constabulary (RUC). This brutal, British, police force violently suppressed any opposition to the Unionists. The RUC, in an attempt to stop opposition, would often open fire into crowd of protesting Irish civilians.

            In order to make the acquisition of Ireland easier, the English partitioned Ireland into two major parts: Northern Ireland (Unionists) and The Irish Free State (later to become the Republic of Ireland). The English divided the country so that Northern Ireland had the majority in government, and therefore had more power. Those from The Irish Free State – or any who wanted an independent Ireland – had little to no rights in the governmental process. The Irish Free State struggled against several laws that restricted their human rights. Many were denied proper housing and were forced to live in poverty. Employment opportunities were taken away from them as well, which drove them into further poverty and starvation. Control was easily gained with the people of Ireland in such a poor state.

Citation:

http://www.fifthinternational.org/content/genesis-irish-nationalism-united-irishmen-and-failed-revolution-1798

http://www.sinnfein.org/documents/freedom.html

                                      v.s.

1.) During this time period, were there any schools that were not run by churches (Whether they be Catholic or not)?

2.) What motives did the English have for oppressing the Irish?

3.) What were some methods the English used against the Irish to acquire and maintain control?

4.) World War II is mentioned during this memoir. Which side did the Irish people support and why?

5.) Did any other country or foreign program offer aid to the Irish civilians living in poverty?

When Frank McCourt started his sixth grade class, he experienced a very different kind of teacher. McCourt is used to the typical catholic headmaster of the time. However, Mr. O’Halloran (Hoppy) tells the children what is important and, most atypically, explains why it is important. He engages the children and encourages them to ask questions. This detail is interesting to me because McCourt is almost awestruck with this new and different teaching method, whereas in today’s schools, this style is expected. He marvels as he recounts, “No master ever told us why before.” This poor boy has suffered through many verbal and physical beatings, and he is finally seeing what education can really be like. Mr. O’Halloran is proof that even in harsh catholic schools, progress can slowly be made towards a better school system.  

My grandfather led an eerily similar life to that of Frank McCourt. This is Rodger Ryan (front and center) and his wife, Therese Ryan (far right), with their grandchildren — standing in front of the house Rodger grew up in.

My sister and I in an abandoned abbey.

Religion had a very strong influence in McCourt’s life. He went to a catholic school and lived in the fear of God for most of his. The church slammed the door in his face several times because of his social stature. Eventually, McCourt realized that the catholic church had treated him horribly and he was able to let go of his need for approval by the priests.

 On top of Keeper’s Hill. I could see the River Shannon from the top. Many people in Frank McCourt’s life, including his baby sister, died from a sickness caused by the moisture from the river. He referred to this sickness as “the Consumption”.

My grandfather of 80 yrs was born and raised in Ireland. He had a rough Catholic childhood full of poverty and loss. I chose to read Angela’s Ashes because the author, Frank McCourt, went through parallel hardships and I wanted to learn more about my heritage. This summer I went to Ireland and even visited my grandfather’s tiny hometown, so i got to experience the setting of my book as I read it.