The Political Role of Women in Sixteenth- and Seventeenth-Century Ireland.

1297 Words6 Pages
The invasion of Ireland by England and its colonization with the protestant population from Britain were the main events of the sixteenth and seventeenth century which consists of the period from 1536 to 1691. These elements of course came with consequences for example the conversion of the Irish society to a state run society and the sectarian hatred among Protestants and Catholics. Leading up to the sixteenth century the Tudor monarchy outlined a policy towards Ireland which ‘rested on practical considerations of economy and security: Ireland must not become a drain on English resources, nor be left as a base for the foreign enemies of England’1. Nevertheless when Henry VIII of England heard that ‘the county was now quiet, there was no centre of opposition, and the prestige of the crown stood high (he) was determined to use this opportunity to extend royal authority over all Ireland’2. At the end of the seventeenth century British Protestants declared authority in Ireland after the Irish Catholic Jacobites capitulated in Limerick. There were several challenges for women in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries in Ireland. Living in a patriarchal society, the ability to express oneself was difficult. Women’s opinions were seen as worthless or invalid. However cultural and political proceedings at this time enhanced awareness to women's issues such as education, politics and religion. There was a strong influence on women’s history in early modern Ireland in comparison to gender history. Dire changes were in need in the classing of women at this time. Unknown to the men in their surroundings women played a vital role in politics through their contribution in the community and in the family. For example Grace O’ Malley played a significant role in the influence of the political system by stating her views to the public. Grace O’Malley was ‘fearless leader
Open Document