The Irish Rebellion of 1798 was an armed uprising against British rule led by the society known as the United Irishmen, who sought to establish an independent and democratic Irish Republic. The organization was founded in 1791, composed mainly of middle-class Protestants and Catholics who were inspired by revolutionary ideas from France and America. As discontent with British governance grew, particularly due to issues of land, religion, and political representation, calls for rebellion intensified throughout the 1790s. On May 24, 1798, the movement erupted into violent conflict with an initial outbreak of fighting in the town of Ballaghaderreen, followed closely by battles in other areas.The rebellion gained momentum in the following weeks, with various uprisings occurring across Ireland, especially in counties like Wexford, Kildare, and Antrim. The rebels were able to capture several towns and engage in significant battles, demonstrating a surprising level of organization. However, the British response was swift and brutal. Reinforced by loyalist militias and the arrival of British troops, the rebellion was met with overwhelming force. Notably, the Battle of Vinegar Hill became a turning point, where thousands of rebels were defeated in a decisive engagement.In the aftermath, the British government enacted harsh measures to suppress the rebellion's legacy and prevent further insurrections, including a campaign of repression that targeted suspected rebels and sympathizers. The rebellion, despite its military failures, ignited a lasting desire for Irish independence and contributed to the formation of a national identity that would echo in later struggles for autonomy. The ideals of the United Irishmen persisted, influencing future generations and resistance movements in Ireland.