Main content
The Two Nations
Episode 3 of 4
The 19th-century union appears secure, but beneath the surface run deep divisions, leading to the emergence of a new working-class movement - and a catastrophic famine in Ireland.
In the 19th century, the union of Great Britain and Ireland appeared to be secure and powerful. Yet beneath the surface were deep divisions between rich and poor, and social class began to define identities and loyalties. As the Reform Acts signalled great changes for the middle classes and Chartism emerged from working-class discontent, the greatest disaster in the history of the union was unfolding in Ireland: the Great Famine.
Last on
Thu 26 Oct 202302:00
More episodes
Clip
![]()
"He'd seen an awful lot of fighting"
Duration: 01:51
Credits
| Role | Contributor |
|---|---|
| Presenter | David Olusoga |
| Director | Jonathan Rowlands |
| Producer | Kat Feavers |
| Series Producer | Francis Welch |
| Executive Producer | David Olusoga |
| Executive Producer | Leanne Klein |
| Executive Producer | Mary Crisp |
| Production Company | Wall to Wall Media |
Six fascinating stories on the history of the Union...
Discover more with The Open University.
