"just before those seven men put their idiotic, ludicrously confused and selfish plan into action and destroyed the lot."
My maths was never my strong point but it was 1,600 rebels (facing up to 20,000 British troops) who took part in the rebellion.
Unless you are suggesting that that number were brainwashed (by the French or the Spanish maybe) into taking part, your "seven selfish men" shows a disting weakness in numeracy.
The Rebellion was recognised as an act of sheer patriotic heroism within weeks of the event and have been ever since.
The French and Spanish certain;y have been busy little bees!!
"sign the treaty at gunpoint?"
"Sign within 3 days or else it's war" - doesn't come any plainer than that.
You seemto find most facts "rather odd".
Jim Carroll