Essay Planning

Key Points to Look at

The 1885 general election expanded the electorate due to the Reform Act of 1884, increasing the number of voters and making Irish nationalist concerns more prominent in British politics.
Charles Stewart Parnell and the Irish Parliamentary Party (IPP) won 86 seats in the 1885 election, positioning themselves as crucial players in a hung parliament, which highlighted the importance of Irish issues.
The Liberal Party, led by William Gladstone, needed the IPP's support to form a government, which led to the introduction of the First Home Rule Bill in 1886.
The 1886 general election was called after the defeat of the Home Rule Bill, significantly influenced by the issue of Irish self-governance and the split it caused within the Liberal Party.
The emergence of the Liberal Unionists in 1886, who opposed Home Rule, created a new political alliance with the Conservatives, fundamentally altering the British political landscape.
The Conservative Party, with support from the Liberal Unionists, won a decisive victory in the 1886 election. This resulted in the rejection of the Home Rule Bill and set back the Irish nationalist movement.

The 1885-86 elections highlighted the polarisation of British politics over the Irish Question, illustrating the deep divisions and the difficulty of achieving consensus on Home Rule.
These elections underscored the importance of Irish votes and the strategic need for British political parties to address Irish concerns, shaping future political strategies and alliances.
The failure of the Home Rule Bill after the 1886 election demonstrated the limitations of parliamentary solutions to the Irish Question, leading to increased frustration and radicalization within the Irish nationalist movement.
The 1885-86 elections marked a turning point in the Home Rule struggle by emphasising the complexity of integrating Irish self-governance within the UK and the persistent opposition to such reforms.

Don't forget that the guide below is only a set of suggestions. You are free to change things up and adapt your essay planning as you desire.

The 1885-86 elections were critical to the Home Rule struggle. They highlighted the significance of Irish issues in British politics, led to strategic alliances, and showcased the deep divisions within political parties over the Irish Question.

Discuss how the Reform Act of 1884 expanded the electorate, making Irish nationalist concerns more prominent in British politics.
Explain how Charles Stewart Parnell and the Irish Parliamentary Party (IPP) won 86 seats, positioning themselves as crucial players in a hung parliament.
Highlight the necessity for the Liberal Party to seek the IPP's support to form a government, which led to the introduction of the First Home Rule Bill.

Outline the events leading to the 1886 election, particularly the defeat of the First Home Rule Bill and the split within the Liberal Party.
Describe the emergence of the Liberal Unionists and their alliance with the Conservatives.
Detail the results of the 1886 election, with the Conservatives and Liberal Unionists securing a majority, leading to the rejection of the Home Rule Bill and a setback for the IPP.

Analyse the realignment of political parties resulting from the 1885-86 elections, emphasising the new Conservative-Liberal Unionist alliance.
Discuss the strengthening of Conservative power and the impact on Gladstone's leadership and the Liberal Party.
Highlight the strategic implications for the IPP, particularly the need to adapt their approach and maintain their influence despite the defeat.

Examine how the elections highlighted the polarisation of British politics over the Irish Question and the difficulty in achieving consensus on Home Rule.
Discuss the lasting impact on the Irish nationalist movement, including increased frustration and potential radicalization.
Conclude with the elections' role in emphasising the complexity of integrating Irish self-governance within the UK and setting the stage for future political debates.