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The Act of Union with Ireland (1801)

Study note

Ireland had shared a monarch with England and Wales ever since the time of Henry VIII, but it had remained a separate country in its own right. That changed at the start of the 19th century. The Act of Union took effect in 1801, joining Ireland together with England, Scotland and Wales.

The new country this created was called the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland. Be careful not to confuse this with the Kingdom of Great Britain, which the 1707 union with Scotland had created. The date to remember for Ireland joining is 1801. To mark the union, a new version of the Union Flag was adopted, adding a symbol for Ireland to the design.

Memory tip: 1801. Ireland joins to form the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland.

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Question 1 of 2

What was created when Ireland was united with Great Britain in 1801?

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Show all questions and answers for The Act of Union with Ireland (1801)(2 questions with explanations)

The Act of Union with Ireland (1801): questions, answers and explanations

  1. 1. What was created when Ireland was united with Great Britain in 1801?

    • The Irish Free State
    • The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland
    • The Commonwealth
    • The Kingdom of Great Britain

    Correct answer: The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland

    The 1801 union created the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland.

  2. 2. In which year did Ireland become unified with England, Scotland and Wales?

    • 1688
    • 1707
    • 1922
    • 1801

    Correct answer: 1801

    Ireland was united with Great Britain in 1801.

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