The history of the relationship between Ireland and Britain is one fraught with religious tensions, rebellion, political activism, outright war and sometimes fragile peace. In this seminar, we will examine the history of the "Irish Question," or the Irish pursuit of national autonomy, within the wider context of European, colonial, and contemporary history. Starting with the Act of Union of 1801, we’ll consider the rise of Irish nationalism, the intrusion of Irish matters into British politics writ large, failed and successful Irish rebellions, partition, Northern Ireland and the Troubles, and the lingering effects of the Irish question well into the 21st century. In the course of this discussion, we will read and discuss primary sources on the subject, and consider the resonances of this history down to the present, with particular attention to the current "Brexit" moment.
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