Americans and the United Irishmen

Americans could read about the activities and principles of the United Irishmen in newspapers and books such as this Philadelphia-printed example. Drawing inspiration from the American Declaration of Independence and the radical writings of Thomas Paine, the United Irishmen rooted their cause in republicanism and equality. They adopted a harp overlaid with a liberty cap and pole as their symbol. The word “equality” above the harp refers to the United Irishmen’s effort to win rights for all Irishmen.

Proceedings of the Society of United Irishmen, of Dublin
Published by Jacob Johnson and Co.
1795
Paper, Ink
Courtesy of the American Philosophical Society Library