Parnell, Charles Stewart (1846-1891), an Irish political leader, almost obtained home rule (self-government) for Ireland by constitutional means (see Home rule ). But scandal ruined his career.
Parnell entered the British House of Commons in 1875 as a member for County Meath. He united Ireland’s Home Rule Party, and tried to make it powerful by obstructing all other legislation until Irish demands were met. To unite Ireland, Parnell came to terms with Irish revolutionaries and supported the Land League. The league wanted land reforms that would result in tenant farmers owning their farms.
In 1879, Parnell visited the United States and collected large amounts of money for the Land League. When he returned to Ireland, he suggested boycotting the landlords to force land reform. For this policy and for trying to obstruct legislative proceedings, Parnell was arrested and imprisoned for six months. From prison, he urged tenant farmers not to pay rent. After his release in 1882, Parnell returned to Parliament and tried again to force home rule. For a time, he seemed about to succeed. In 1886, Parliament passed the Tenant’s Relief Bill, which improved farmers’ conditions.
But the next year, Parnell had to defend himself against charges that he was involved in the Phoenix Park murders. Irish terrorists had committed these murders in 1882. Parnell proved that letters which seemed to implicate him were forgeries.
In 1889, just as Parliament was about to meet, a political supporter of Parnell named Captain William O’Shea filed divorce proceedings against his wife because of her relationship with Parnell. The charges were proved, and Parnell’s reputation and influence were ruined. Parnell married Katharine O’Shea after the divorce and lost his position as leader of the Home Rule Party. He later tried unsuccessfully to regain his political leadership.
Parnell was born on June 27, 1846, on his family’s estate of Avondale in County Wicklow. He was educated at Magdalene College of Cambridge University. He died on Oct. 6, 1891.
