131-104 The Conquest of Ireland, 1500-1603

Usually 25 points of first-year history, see Prerequisites.

This subject will present a wide-ranging portrait of 16th century Ireland, examining peoples, land, culture, religion, politics and war. The basic divisions in the society between the Gaelic Irish, the Hiberno-Normans or Old English and the New English will be explored in some detail. The impact of both the Protestant and Counter Reformations will be charted and the debate over the apparent failure of the former discussed. Attention will also be paid to changes in English state policy towards Ireland; attempts at conciliation and integration; the introduction of plantations; and the eventual resort to all-out war. English attitudes to the Irish, both in the 16th century and earlier, will be traced, as will the place of Ireland in the development of early English colonialism. On completion of this subject students should have an appreciation and knowledge of the social, political, economic, religious and cultural forces that shaped Ireland during this period.