Today in Labor History June 20, 1763: Wolfe Tone, Irish rebel leader, was born. He helped create the United Irishmen, a Republican organization that fought against British rule in Ireland. The United Irishmen was a relatively nonsectarian organization that united Irishmen of both Protestant and Catholic backgrounds. Wolfe Tone also led the Irish Rebellion of 1798. The leaders of this major uprising were inspired by the French and American Revolutions. They started off strong, winning many battles. However, in the end, the British prevailed, killing up to 50,000 rebels and civilians. Wolfe Tone said, “Our independence must be had at all hazards. If the men with property will not support us, they must fall. We can support ourselves by the aid of that numerous and respectable class of the community: the men of no property.” The British captured Wolfe Tone in November, 1798. Scholars believe he committed suicide in prison a few days later.