Empire

234. Battle of the Boyne: Clash of Two Kings (Ep 2)

Mar 4, 2025

Professor Jane Ohlmeyer, an expert in Irish history and author of 'Making Empire,' joins the discussion to unpack the Battle of the Boyne's pivotal role in shaping Protestant identity in Ireland. She explores the clash between Catholic King James II and Protestant William of Orange, diving into how this battle influenced European geopolitics and sectarian divides. Ohlmeyer also touches on the legacy of Cromwell's reign in Ireland and the contemporary implications of historical commemoration for peace in the region.

43:12

Episode guests

Jane Ohlmeyer

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

The Restoration period fueled tensions between Irish Catholics and the Protestant establishment, setting the stage for the Battle of the Boyne and its lasting legacy.

The episode highlights the economic significance of alcoholic beverages and tea during British colonial rule, illustrating their intertwined history with social practices and geopolitical dynamics.

Deep dives

The Cultural Significance of Drinks in History

The discussion emphasizes the deep historical connection between various alcoholic beverages and the British Empire, highlighting how drinks like Indian Pale Ale became staples during British colonial rule. Early East India Company members often preferred alcohol over local water due to health concerns, leading to a culture where alcohol consumption was normalized even at breakfast. This historical preference reflects the intricate relationship between social practices and colonialism, showing how the British adapted to their environments while leaving lasting cultural impacts. Additionally, the podcast also touches upon the extraordinary and lucrative history of tea, noting that tea taxes were significant enough to influence trade routes and conflicts, including the Opium Wars.

Intro

2min

Exciting Anecdotes and Upcoming Live Events

2min

Aftermath of Cromwell: Power Struggles and Legacies

10min

Exploring Histories of Identity and Allegation

2min

The Turmoil of Turconnell and the Battle of the Boyne

24min

Navigating Historical Commemoration and Future Relations in Ireland

3min

The Rise and Complexity of an SS Officer

4min

The Restoration reinstates the monarchy in England, Scotland & Ireland, and Irish Catholics believe that they will get their lands back for their loyalty to the king. And when the openly Catholic King James II succeeds his older brother, they are even more hopeful. But English Protestants fear that his reign will lead to a Catholic dynasty, and invite the Dutch William of Orange to take the throne.

James II flees to France and gathers troops to back his cause. He arrives on the coast of Ireland in 1689 to reclaim his crown. When news of this reaches Parliament, William of Orange heads to Ireland to meet his enemy on the battlefield. In the Boyne Valley near Dublin, the two kings clash in a battle that continues to be memorialised in Ireland today. But was it that militarily important? And how did the Battle of the Boyne play into the chessboard of European geopolitics?

Listen as Anita and William are joined once again by Professor Jane Ohlmeyer to discuss how the Battle of the Boyne shaped Protestant identity in Ireland.

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Assistant Producer: Becki Hills

Producer: Anouska Lewis

Senior Producer: Callum Hill

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