In 1801, everything changed for the people of Ireland. Several years after the Act of Union forces Ireland to become the breadbasket for England, blight ravages the potato crops, and the country and its residents begin to starve. As thousands die and more emigrate, greedy landlords wreak havoc on those who remain to work their land.

English landlord James Palmerston-a man known for using brutality to get his way-rides through a sheep meadow on his horse, running down farmer Sean Kavanagh and his innocent young son. After Sean reports the incident to the sheriff, however, Palmerston vows...