Act of Union 1801 creates United Kingdom by merging Ireland and Great Britain.
| Political |
Updated By: History Editorial Network (HEN)
Published:
3 min read
The Act of Union of 1801, merging the Kingdom of Ireland and the Kingdom of Great Britain, united the two kingdoms to form the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland. The Parliament of Great Britain and the Parliament of Ireland ratified this Act, creating a single political entity.
The background to this union lay in the shared monarch between Ireland and Great Britain since 1541. However, Irish Catholics faced discrimination under British rule, leading to tensions. The Act aimed to strengthen the relationship between the countries by combining their Parliaments and creating a unified government.
The Act brought about significant changes in governance structures, economy, and representation for Ireland within the United Kingdom. It aimed to provide Ireland with more influence and opportunities within the British Empire, as well as to address issues of representation and Catholic emancipation.
The merger was met with mixed reactions in both Ireland and Great Britain. While it aimed to promote unity and cooperation, it also fueled nationalist sentiments in Ireland. The Act of Union of 1801 reshaped the political landscape of the British Isles, setting the stage for further developments in Irish history.
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Primary Reference: Act of Union | Ireland, Scotland & England | Britannica
Location : Ireland

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