National Identity in Scotland and Ireland (Part One)© Simon Hill
Jul 20, 2002
This article will examine, compare and contrast the differing national identities present in Scotland and Ireland throughout the 19th century and up to the 2nd World War. It will discuss the implications of the differing attitudes of the Scots and the Irish to nationalism and provide an insight into why these attitudes were different. In order to do this we must study the political events, nationalist organisations, the contrasting land question, the religious beliefs, the institutions and the societies. National identity is a complex construct and may mean different things to different people. Beyond place of birth what makes you Irish or Scottish? And does this identity change over time?
Scotland and Ireland at the dawn of the nineteenth century were in very different situations both politically and socially, many of their perceived similarities hinting at the idea of a Celtic brotherhood simply do not stand up to closer inspection. Certainly by the start of the twentieth century Scotland had more in common with England than Ireland (excluding Ulster). So it should be no great surprise that Scotland and Ireland had completely different reactions to nationalist sentiments particularly when you consider the role played by England in forming both Scottish and Irish national identity. It is perhaps too simplistic to make the argument that because Ireland was never really incorporated into the union in the same way as Scotland nationalism became much stronger there in reaction. Scotland was incorporated fully into the union and the Scottish people benefited greatly from the British Empire consequently there was a much weaker nationalism and a stronger sense of pride in being British. During the nineteenth century Ireland suffered due to a variety of reasons, this led to the formation of a number of political groups and movements, which had hatred of the English and nationalism in common. In Scotland however nationalist tendencies seem to be missing for much of this period and are not linked to demands for independence. What are the reasons for these differing reactions to union?
Politically Ireland had long been a thorn in England’s side. Discontent was widespread in Ireland mainly due to the sectarian policies of the English who excluded Irish Catholics from political power despite the fact they formed the majority of the population. The Anglo-Irish agreement of 1801 had created the United Kingdom but most Irish people were not consulted as in 1707 most Scots had not been consulted. The problem facing many Irish people who were unhappy was how to effect change, politically it would be impossible because the Irish electorate was so small. This led to the formation of many secret societies within peasant communities but there was no link between them and instead of helping the situation they often just caused more violence.
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