Main content

The Two Nations

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.

Available now

59 minutes

Signed Audio described

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

Broadcasts

Six fascinating stories on the history of the Union...

Discover more with The Open University.