History on “A Modest Proposal” by Jonathan Swift By Mrs. Pearce

Overview of Irish History 1653—Oliver Cromwell, English Lord Protector, invades Ireland by “systematically” combing through the west, murdering, usurping land, raping, plundering, etc. 1653—Oliver Cromwell, English Lord Protector, invades Ireland by “systematically” combing through the west, murdering, usurping land, raping, plundering, etc. 1659—Charles II rules England (monarchy restored), continues where Cromwell left off in Ireland 1659—Charles II rules England (monarchy restored), continues where Cromwell left off in Ireland 1685—James II—a Catholic king—inherits the throne of England. Very loose in oppressing Ireland. Made English nervous. 1685—James II—a Catholic king—inherits the throne of England. Very loose in oppressing Ireland. Made English nervous.

1690—James ousted by William III (of Orange--Dutch) 1690—James ousted by William III (of Orange--Dutch) 1690—Battle of the Boyne in Ireland fought. Irish Catholics defeated. 1690—Battle of the Boyne in Ireland fought. Irish Catholics defeated. 1691—Penal Code strictly enforced on Catholics. 1691—Penal Code strictly enforced on Catholics.

Penal Code Catholics in Ireland are: Not allowed to practice faith Not allowed to practice faith Not allowed to own a horse worth more than five pounds Not allowed to own a horse worth more than five pounds Not allowed education Not allowed education Not allowed to own land Not allowed to own land Not allowed to hold public office Not allowed to hold public office Not allowed in legal profession Not allowed in legal profession Not allowed to vote Not allowed to vote British Parliament passes ALL laws for Ireland British Parliament passes ALL laws for Ireland

Punishment and Starvation Punishment and Starvation The reign of William III basically stripped Catholics of all civil rights and ushered in an era of economic, religious, and political discrimination and persecution.

Overview of period in England By early 1700’s England establishes dominance in European economy By early 1700’s England establishes dominance in European economy Seeds of Industrial Revolution Seeds of Industrial Revolution Spread of capitalism Spread of capitalism Machines replace animals, first steam engines used, seed drill first used, new inventions taking off Machines replace animals, first steam engines used, seed drill first used, new inventions taking off “rational” thought replacing religion—also know as Age of Enlightenment (which begins in 17 th century). Philosophy—Descarte, Kant. Physics— Newton. “rational” thought replacing religion—also know as Age of Enlightenment (which begins in 17 th century). Philosophy—Descarte, Kant. Physics— Newton.

Jonathan Swift ( ) Anglo-Irish gentry class from Dublin Anglo-Irish gentry class from Dublin Born of wealthy parents. Father died before Swift’s birth. Swift and his mother experienced unexpected poverty Born of wealthy parents. Father died before Swift’s birth. Swift and his mother experienced unexpected poverty Swift moved around a lot and later moved in with his uncle, the attorney general of Tipperary Swift moved around a lot and later moved in with his uncle, the attorney general of Tipperary

Entered Trinity College at age 14; later earned an M.A. from Oxford Entered Trinity College at age 14; later earned an M.A. from Oxford Ordained Anglican priest—concerned with social justice and poverty in Ireland. Ordained Anglican priest—concerned with social justice and poverty in Ireland published Drapier Letters (anonymously) which exposed the corruption, greed, deceit and unfair treatment of the Irish on the part of the English government 1724 published Drapier Letters (anonymously) which exposed the corruption, greed, deceit and unfair treatment of the Irish on the part of the English government 1726 published Gulliver’s Travels 1726 published Gulliver’s Travels 1729 published “A Modest Proposal” 1729 published “A Modest Proposal” Later published “A Letter to the Whole People of Ireland” which called on the Irish to reclaim their rights against their oppressors Later published “A Letter to the Whole People of Ireland” which called on the Irish to reclaim their rights against their oppressors