The cataclysmic events that changed Ireland in the century before 1660 led to the emergence of an new social order, dominated by a fairly homogenous ruling class of Anglican gentry. This group went on to achieve a remarkable economic and political ascendancy over rival social and religious groups until the last quarter of the 18th century. This is a general survey of this formative period of Irish history, which explores how such a monopoly of power was achieved, consolidated and eventually challenged - from above and from below.