Irish in Europe

This two-day conference seeks to build upon and complicate an expanding historiography which has looked to place Britain and Ireland within the wider contexts of Europe and Empire. Using public opinion as a central point of discussion and debate, papers will qualify and question the approaches through which historians have come to understand the articulation and dissemination of ideas regarding Europe and the imperial project within these kingdoms. Central to this discussion will be notions such as the existence, expansion and overlap of 'public spheres' within not only England but also Scotland, Wales, Ireland and the burgeoning imperial network. The conference will also look at variations in debates over Europe and the empire within local, regional contexts. How did locality adn regionalism reflect and impace upon the course of these discussions? Of particular interest will be perceptions of other European states and their imperial ventures. How did debate over the engagement of France, Spain, the United Provinces and other states shape attitudes toward Europe and empire within Britain and Ireland?  Naturally comparative approaches/perceptions of Europe and empire across the 1660-1789 timescale will be of great interest. Did shifts in the nature of public opinion and debate result in a decidedly different attitude toward Europe and the imperial venture at different points in the early-modern chronology? The individual and public opinion will receive special attention. How does our knowledge of the engagement of specific individuals complicate our understanding of the formation and dissemination of public opinion regarding Europe and empire? How did particular individuals become ‘opinion formers’? How might consideration of such issues as exile, foreign education, travel and general social differences between participants influence our historical understanding? In this context, print culture, associational culture and the formation of debates will be of crucial importance. Did the relative delay of the formation of a vibrant print culture in Ireland and the Atlantic Colonies produce a decidedly different form of public debate? How might the transplantation or variation of associational culture in the wider imperial network complicate our understanding of the formation of public opinion? How did literacy and reading culture influence or stifle the flow and expression of public opinion? Intending attendees may email  jules.iddon@hertford.ox.ac.uk