Describe and critically evaluate the impact of the political reform movement in Ireland from Daniel O'Connell to the fall of Parnell. During the nineteenth century Ireland experienced many changes in many aspects of society. Politically, constitutionally and socially. The onset of the Great Famine in mid-century would define much Irish Catholic thinking towards British rule in Ireland. The Act of Union of 1801 became a catalyst for political reform that would consume political thought in Ireland over the next 120 years. In this essay I will critically evaluate the political movements and reforms in Ireland from the political movement and leadership of Daniel O. Connell in the early 1800s to the fall of Parnell at the end of the century. The 1801 Act of Union was seen as a defense against the radical ideas simmering in Ireland at the end of the 18th century. The repeal of the Penal Laws in the late 18th century raised fears of Catholic revolts in the minds of the Protestant ascendant. The Act of Union abolished the Dublin parliament in exchange for 100 Irish MPs elected to Westminster. The Union also created Anglicanism as the official state church. The union offered Ireland some advantages, including free and open trade in the Empire. However it was not as mutually favorable for Ireland as it was for England. Fiscally, Ireland continued to have a separate treasury and national debt. The Union ensured that Catholics were still ostracized within their own country and continued to be prohibited from holding public office. The laws were not universal across the UK and some only adhered to Irish citizens. Over the next hundred... half of the paper... Parnell in 1881 did not stop the campaign for Home Rule. Home Rule bills were defeated in 1886 and 1893. It was not until 1912 that the Home Rule bill was passed. It was put aside due to the outbreak of the First World War. The Act of Union which had consumed Irish political thought for over 100 years was finally repealed in 1920 with the Government of Ireland Act. Political reforms from O Connell to Parnell covered a multitude of social issues. Although O'Connell's constitutional approach ensured emancipation, his aversion to violence led to a decline in support and momentum for his campaign for repeal. Charismatic popular groups such as the Young Irelanders and the IRB succumbed to violence to achieve their goal with figures such as Isaac Butt and Parnell at the helm. Moves for political reform have been influenced by all of these aspects.