Act for the Settlement of Ireland

The Act for the Settlement of Ireland, passed in 1652, aimed to reorganize land ownership in Ireland following the Irish Confederate Wars. It transferred land from Irish Catholics, considered enemies of the state, to English settlers and soldiers loyal to Oliver Cromwell. This act significantly altered the demographics and power dynamics in Ireland, leading to widespread displacement and resentment among the Irish population. It was part of a broader effort to establish Protestant rule and reinforce English control over Ireland, setting the stage for future conflicts over land, identity, and governance in the region.