Michael Davitt was an Irish political activist and a key figure in the Irish land reform movement. Born in 1846, he experienced the hardships of the Great Famine, which shaped his views on land ownership and tenant rights. Davitt founded the Land League in 1879, advocating for fair rents and land reforms for Irish farmers. His efforts led to significant changes in land laws, promoting the idea that land should be owned by those who work it. Davitt's activism not only influenced land policies in Ireland but also inspired future generations of social reformers and nationalists in the struggle for Irish independence.