Ireland in colonial times held many deep seated values that greatly impacted their culture. The book “The Course of Irish History” by Moody and Martin, explains how these values impact nearly every aspect of Irish society, by analyzing these factors we can better determine how colonial Ireland evolved into the nation we know today.
Catholicism was one factor that greatly impacted colonial Ireland. Ireland has been recognized as being one of the most religious societies in Europe, with Catholicism being the most dominant religion. In the past the Church has been instrumental in using its power to affect education, politics, and social services. The result has allowed the Church to be able to spread their influences to the Irish people (Moody & Martin).
Citizens’ values and behaviors were learned through the religious doctrines. This hierarchy also extended to politics, when the Church questioned if political concerns could affected the morals of the Irish people. The Irish Constitution was written in compliance with traditional Catholic fundamentals.
Secularization refers to changing society from being heavily influenced by religion to a society where institutions have non-religious values. The continuing power of the Church in terms of ideological control still exists, but no longer possesses such a large role in Irish identity. Chapter 16 outlines the achievements of Daniel O’Connell in his attempts to procure emancipation for Catholicism. O’Connell stated, “I want to make all Europe and America know it – I want to make England feel her weakness if she refuses to give the justice we the Irish require – the restoration of our domestic parliament” (Moody & Martin). Those that disapprove of secularization fear that without the influence of religion that discord will occur from the lack of unity. Historical discrimination against Irish Catholics has led Ireland to be very proud of their national and religious background. Traditions are hard to break especially when they are so engrained in the national identity. Those in favor of tradition disapprove of making a move towards secularization, feeling that the old ways are still the most moral option. Those in favor of secularization believe that more liberal views will only give Irish citizens a change to choose their own values. They emphasize that they do not wish to erase religion’s influence (or that of England) from society, but merely modernize and allow for choice.
The potato famine was also cited as being a factor that greatly impacted colonial Ireland. Chapter 17 states, “At the end of the day, Ireland’s population was reduced by half, land reform was begun, and Catholic Ireland’s resentment of the British rule was slow and deep to heal.” (Moody & Martin). The famine also resulted in mass immigration. Families were either forced to leave or perish in Ireland. The potato famine was a big blow to the Irish economy and moral.
Britain blamed the blight on Ireland and didn’t endeavor to help the Irish population during their time of need. This further heightened the tension between them. The Irish nationalist movement was the result. O’Connell presented the idea of “tennets rights” to solve the problem, yet tension remained (Lunsford & Connors).
Moody also explains that the role of women was also different in Protestant and Catholic views. Women have been slowly rejecting the ways of patriarchal ideology taught by the Church. Women’s liberation has been slow in coming but grows in strength. Tradition emphasized that a woman’s place was to have children, that women are not to be thought of as sexual, and that women should not make decisions on their own (Patterson). Obviously these ideas are outdated, and women’s liberation has continued to move away from traditional Catholic teachings to more modern ideas.
In conclusion, a new series of beliefs are emerging from Irish society. By being more excepting of others and striving to embrace both Ireland’s Catholic and Britain’s Protestant views, Ireland’s society has changed drastically(Moody & Martin). Tradition is still respected but more modernized views are also taking place. Less rigidity in regards to Church regulations and being more open to debate have been a result of these views.
Works Cited:
Lunsford, Andrea A., and Robert J. Connors. The St. Martin's handbook. New York: St. Martin's Press, 1989. Print.
Moody, T. W., and F. X. Martin. The course of Irish history. 1994 rev. and enl. ed. Niwot, Colo.: Published in association with Radio Telefís Éireann by Roberts Rinehart Publishers ;, 1995. Print.
Patterson, R. (n.d.). Women of ireland: Change toward social and political equality in the 21st century irish republic. Web. Retrieved from http://www.lehigh.edu/~incntr/publications/perspectives/v19/Patterson.PDF
