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The Act of Union 1800 was the ultimate display of unity. The act
had to pass in the parliament of Great Britain as well as the
parliament of Ireland, which it did eventually. The importance of
the Act lay in the defensive nature of its creation on the European
scene. The French Revolution had galvanized Irish Rebels and,
following the Irish Rebellion of 1798, Britain was determined to
safeguard its boarders and not allow Ireland to become a bigger
thorn in its side as it had been for previous monarchs. The Act was
simply Great Britain putting its arm around little Ireland and
crushing her to its side – a friendly action but dripping with
underlying importance.
The act allowed Ireland to have 100 representatives at the
parliament of Westminster and seats in the House of Lords.
Representatives now became established in Ecclesiastical
matters and Ireland became a beneficiary of British trade and visa
versa. It was profitable agreement for all parties involved and
passed with a majority.
The King who signed the Act, and officially created the United
Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, was King George III. George
has been famously remembered for his bouts of madness, prowess in
the bedroom (he had 15 Children with his wife, Queen Charlotte)
and, most notably, for his failed attempts during the American
War of Independence and losing the Colonies across the pond.
However, perhaps the best outcome of the Act of Union 1800 is
the flag that was created: The Union Flag. For me, there isn’t a
sight more stirring than seeing the symbol of unity and strength
fluttering in the breeze, or snapping wildly during a storm. I
always thought that the Union itself would be like the flag;
dignified in times of peace, resilient and strong in times of
tumult and disorder. I can only hope that Scotland, who have put up
with us (and vice versa) for so long, might find it in their hearts
to Vote NO on their resolution, if only to spare me the heartache
of not seeing the Union Flag dancing in the wind on my
way to work in the mornings.
Oh, and one final note: it’s not the Union Jack unless it’s at
sea… ok? Glad we’ve cleared that one up!
Photo Credits: Rian (Ree)
Saunders and Kvasir79 via photopin cc]]>
