The rebellion was an uprising of 50,000 United Irishmen against British rule. The United Irishmen, a revolutionary republican organization inspired by Wolfe Tone, saw Irish Protestants join with the Catholic majority. They sought to put their religious differences aside to achieve Irish independence and establish a republic.

The rebellion was sparked by a series of coordinated uprisings across Ireland, with rebels seizing control of key towns and strategic locations. The initial phase of the rebellion saw some early successes for the United Irishmen, particularly in County Wexford, where rebel forces achieved notable victories against British troops.

However, the rebellion faced significant challenges, including divisions among the leadership and a lack of coordination and resources. While the rebels are known to have killed up to 1,000 loyalist civilians and 2,000 soldiers, the British government responded swiftly and ruthlessly. Deploying large numbers of troops to suppress the uprising, the British army launched a brutal counterinsurgency campaign marked by widespread violence, reprisals, and atrocities against rebel fighters and civilians alike that saw between 10,000 and 50,000 killed. Many more were arrested, executed, or deported.

The aftermath saw the implementation of harsh measures to suppress dissent and reinforce British authority in Ireland. The government enacted martial law, suspended civil liberties, and conducted widespread repression and persecution of suspected rebels and sympathizers. Nevertheless, nationalist sentiment remained and the rebellion and its leaders such as Wolfe Tone inspired future generations of Irish republicans.