A series of 13 programmes Written and presented by Robert Kee
3: Two Nations
In the 18th century Ireland was virtually two nations. Penal laws drove the Catholic majority closer to their church. The ruling Protestant establishment declared its independence of Britain. Then a new breed of nationalists, the United Irishmen, worked to bring the two nations together and plotted, with French help, to set up an independent Irish Republic embracing Protestants and Catholics alike. But the national rebellion degenerated into a bloody sectarian revolt.
By the Union of Britain and Ireland in 1801, the Irish and Westminster parliaments merged - but Catholics were not represented.
The great Catholic patriot, Daniel O'Connell , fought for and achieved the right for Catholics to sit as mps at Westminster. Emancipation won, O'Connell campaigned to repeal the Union with Britain.
Film cameraman PHILIP DONHAM-CARTER Film editor PETER HARRIS
Series producer JEREMY ISAACS Producer JENNY CROPPER