On this day in 1834, Daniel O’Connell, the Irish political leader often referred to as “The Liberator” or “The Emancipator,” sparked a debate in the British House of Commons by calling for a repeal to the 1801 Act of Union. During a five-hour speech, O’Connell questioned the 2/17 tax that Britain had levied on Ireland, calling it a “fraction purposely introduced in order that … [Read more...] about April 22, 1834