Act of Union 1800

The Act of Union 1800 was a law passed by the British Parliament that merged the separate kingdoms of Great Britain and Ireland into a single political entity called the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland. Prior to this, Britain and Ireland had their own governments, but the union created a unified government and parliament in Westminster. The goal was to strengthen political stability, improve defense, and promote economic cooperation between the two nations. The union took effect on January 1, 1801, and Ireland remained part of the UK until independence movements led to the establishment of the Republic of Ireland in the 20th century.