Who are unionists and loyalists?

Unionists and loyalists, who for historical reasons were mostly Ulster Protestants, wanted Northern Ireland to remain within the United Kingdom. Irish nationalists and republicans, who were mostly Irish Catholics, wanted Northern Ireland to leave the United Kingdom and join a united Ireland.

Who were the Unionists?

The Irish Unionist Alliance (IUA), also known as the Irish Unionist Party or simply the Unionists, was a unionist political party founded in Ireland in 1891 from the Irish Loyal and Patriotic Union to oppose plans for home rule for Ireland within the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland.

Are Protestants unionists?

Unionists are predominantly Ulster Protestant, most of whom belong to the Presbyterian Church in Ireland and the Church of Ireland. Irish nationalists are almost wholly Roman Catholic.

Why did unionists oppose home rule?

For Unionists, Home Rule meant a Dublin parliament dominated by the Catholic Church to the detriment of Ireland’s economic progress, a threat to their cultural identity as both British and Irish and possible discrimination against them as a religious minority.

What religion are loyalists?

Although Loyalists were found in all social classes and occupations, a disproportionately large number were engaged in commerce and the professions, or were officeholders under the crown. They also tended to be foreign born and of the Anglican religion.

What is the meaning of unionists?

: the principle or policy of forming or adhering to a union: such as. a capitalized : adherence to the policy of a firm federal union between the states of the United States especially during the Civil War period. b : the principles, theory, advocacy, or system of trade unions.

What religion are Irish Unionists?

Catholic Unionist is a term historically used for a Catholic in Ireland who supported the Union which formed the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, and subsequently used to describe Catholics who support the Union between Northern Ireland and Great Britain.

Are unionists Catholic?

Are loyalists Protestant?

The term loyalist was first used in Irish politics in the 1790s to refer to Protestants who opposed Catholic Emancipation and Irish independence from Great Britain. Although not all Unionists were Protestant or from Ulster, loyalism emphasised Ulster Protestant heritage.

What is the opposite of loyalist?

▲ Opposite of a person who is loyal to a cause, generally used as a political affiliation. rebel. traitor. turncoat.

What were loyalists jobs?

Loyalists came from all walks of life. The majority were small farmers, artisans and shopkeepers. Not surprisingly, most British officials remained loyal to the Crown. Wealthy merchants tended to remain loyal, as did Anglican ministers, especially in Puritan New England.