At that time, Ireland was facing economic distress and social unrest, particularly among the tenant farmers who rented land from wealthy landlords. The Irish Land League, an organization advocating for the rights of tenant farmers, was gaining influence and actively seeking reforms in land tenure and rent reduction.
In October 1880, the Irish Land League initiated a campaign against Captain Boycott, who had been known for his harsh treatment of tenants and resistance to their demands for better conditions. The League called upon the local community to shun and socially ostracize Boycott, effectively isolating him from his neighbors and essential services.
The community followed the League's call with remarkable unity. Local shops refused to sell him goods, farmers declined to work on his land, and even postal workers abstained from delivering mail to his residence. Boycott found himself entirely dependent on supplies and support from outside the community.
The term "boycott" quickly gained popularity as it encapsulated the collective action taken against an individual or organization as a form of protest or economic pressure. The success of the Boycott campaign in County Mayo inspired similar actions in subsequent movements and struggles, both in Ireland and beyond.
Over time, the word "boycott" became a widely recognized term to describe any organized refusal to deal with or support a particular entity, usually as a means of protest or coercion. It remains a powerful tactic used in various contexts, including labor disputes, civil rights movements, and international political actions.