The development of cultural nationalism in Ireland in the 1890s was a reaction against modernization and a search for cultural identity. Constitutional nationalism had been associated with modernization, alienating the growing petty bourgeoisie class. Cultural nationalism provided an opportunity for women and lower middle classes to engage in politics. The Gaelic League, founded in 1893, successfully promoted the Irish language and culture as a way to develop a distinct Irish national identity and appeal to various classes and religions, amid the failure of constitutional nationalism and growth of the petty bourgeoisie class seeking cultural roots and political engagement.

1. The development of cultural nationalism