Arthur O'Connor: United Irishman

In 18th-century Ireland radical intellectuals embraced revolution. One was Arthur O'Connor, who became an MP in the Irish House of Commons. He joined with the United Irishmen in 1796 during Ireland's revolution with England. An incendiary orator and pamphleteer, he was first arrested in 1797. En route to France for aid in 1798 he was arrested in England and tried for treason. He was released in 1802, exiled to France. There he served in the French army, negotiated with Napoleon for another expedition to Ireland, moved in radical circles, and married the only daughter of the French philosopher, Condorcet. In 1834 he finally received permission to return to his home in Cork. Ireland, where he died in 1852.