Wales saw the church turn against it as its language was blamed for ignorance and immorality, sparking wide spread riots. Further, following the Industrial Revolution of the 1800's, Wales' monoglot communities were suddenly flooded with English workers, and the language fell into steep decline.
Unquestionably, the hardest affected during this time was Ireland. Prior to this period upwards of 90% of the population spoke mainly Irish. Violent repression, persecution and humiliation helped to crush the once vibrant Celtic community making musical instruments, dances and speaking the native language punishable by imprisonment or death. The most devestating blow came with the Great Famine of the 1840's. Affecting the poorest, this famine cut the heart out of the Irish Celtic Culture and saw the language and culture transmission virtually stop, with only 7% speaking Irish after 1890. Many predicted that by the start of the 20th century the Celts would finally be dead.
