Irish political organization formed in
October 1791 by
Theobald Wolfe Tone, James Napper
Tandy, and Thomas Russell to achieve Roman Catholic
emancipation and (with Protestant
cooperation) parliamentary reform. British attempts to
suppress the society caused its
reorganization as an underground movement dedicated to securing complete Irish
independence.
In April 1794 the society opened negotiations with Revolutionary France for
military aid, but the British government soon learned of the activity. Twice in 1796–97
French expeditionary forces failed to reach Ireland. Still anticipating help from France, the
United Irishmen made plans for a rebellion in 1798. The principal conspirators were
arrested in advance of the uprising, and the meagre aid provided by France came too late
to be effective. Only in County Wexford did the rebels make any gains, but they were
unable to hold the area, and the rebellion collapsed.