Catholic Emancipation

Events leading up to an early 19th century emancipation of CatholicsThis book examines how England was still barring Catholics from politics during the 1800s. Catholic Emancipation: A Shake to Men's Minds traces the events that led to the election of Daniel O'Connell and an attempt to change the law. Though the English king was opposed to the changes, O'Connell was allowed to serve in the Commons beginning in 1829. The author looks at this political emancipation in relation to other issues of the era, such as calls for parliamentary reform, the shifting influence of the monarchy, and Irish nationalism.

List of Illustrations vi Preface and Acknowledgements vii Introduction 1 Trials of a Soldier turned Politician (January-May 1828) 19 The Turning Point (January-July 1828) 47 Search for a Solution (July-September 1828) 77 Ireland on the Brink (August-December 1828) 99 Protestant Protests (January-February 1829) 128 'Le Roi le Veut' (March-April 1829) 160 Notes 188 Select Bibliography 202 Index 206