Chapter 9 Summary and Analysis

There were many rumors of an uprising. That spring had been particularly cold, and there having been little sign of blight on the last crop, people hoped, planting three times more potatoes than in the previous year. May and June were sunny, and the new potato crop flourished. Small farmers looked forward to having enough to eat for the first time in three years. Larger farmers and landlords looked forward to paying off their debts. While the potatoes grew, a revolutionary spirit was spreading in a group calling itself Young Ireland (inspired by the recent European rebellions). Young Ireland wanted a return to self-rule, the British out of Ireland, and reforms that would return their rights and freedoms. Their leadership was diverse and included landlords, merchants, small farmers, both Protestants and Catholics.

Young Ireland founded revolutionary clubs throughout Ireland. Their members...