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

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