... the French had achieved, in simple terms, was the overthrow of Europe's most despotic monarchy, along with the corrupt and indifferent aristocracy that supported it. Along with this, they also abolished all religious tithes and disqualifications, and confiscated and redistributed all Church lands. In line with such revolutionary changes, a democratic government was established and franchise was given to all males, regardless of religious or social stature, or of property ownership. To draw comparisons between pre-revolutionary France and late 18th century Ireland is not inherently difficult: in Ireland, as in France, an undemocratic monarchy wielded great power, as did the similarly corrupt aristocracy which upheld it. Privilege was given by law to those who professed the Anglican faith, and those of other religions, specifically Catholics, but Presbyterians also, were consequently persecuted and withheld from the upper echelons of society. Tithes for the Established (Anglican) Church were exacted unwillingly from these ...

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