The Irish revolutions 1916-1923: The way to Independence

Résumé du document

Since the beginning of the Middle Ages, Ireland had been under the control of the English. Irish people resisted and tried to rebel in spite of the constant strengthening of the English domination. However, from the 19th century onwards changes took place, eventually leading to a revolution at the beginning of the 20th century.

Extraits

[...] Les révolutions irlandaises 1916-1923 - vers l'indépendance Introduction Since the beginning of the Middle Ages, Ireland had been under English control. Irish people resisted and tried to rebel in spite of a constant strengthening of the English domination. However, from the 19th century onwards deep changes took place, eventually leading to a revolution took at the beginning of the 20th century. In order to understand the Irish fight for independence, one should first study the 19th century and the emergence of a new form of nationalism which then led to a cultural revolution. [...]

[...] On the matter of this treaty, Irish public opinion was divided: those who were tired of the war accepted the solution, whereas some refused all the measures set by the treaty. This division over the treaty was inexorably leading Ireland to civil war. The Dàil ratified the treaty (64 to 57 votes) on January 1922. Still, de Valera and its supporters wanted total independence and did not recognize the Irish Free State. Thus, the Dàil split. Among the IRA members, a similar situation appeared: the Irish Free State National Army (the Regulars) was pro-treaty while the Irregulars were anti-treaty. [...]

[...] British repression had been organized immediately. On April 26th, martial law had been introduced. Besides, the appointment of Major- General Sir John Maxell as Commander-in-Chief of the British troops in Ireland had confirmed the strong and violent measures towards the Irish population. Without delay, he decided of the executions of the Rising leaders including all IRB military council members and instituted a terror state to counter militant nationalism. British soldiers, who were supported by the police, arrested more than 3,500 people and more than 1,800 of them were sent to England and interned there. [...]

[...] Indeed, this combination allowed Irish people to gain a certain degree of autonomy at first, and then to achieve full independence. Bibliography proposed British spies and Irish rebels : British intelligence and Ireland, 1916- 1945 / Paul McMahon - 2008 The Irish Revolution, 1913-1923 by Joost Augusteijn (Kindle Edition - Aug 2002) Seeds of Revolution: The Culture and Politics of the Great Famine in the Irish Northwest (Hardcover) Author : Joan Vincent The Irish counter-revolution, 1921-1936 : Treatyite politics and settlement in independent Ireland Regan, John M. [...]

[...] They approved of and signed the Proclamation of the Irish Republic and declared themselves to be the "Provisional Government" of the Irish Republic when the Rising began. By January 1916, the Military council had set the date for a rising. The Easter Rising started on April 24th and was practically confined to Dublin. During this surprised attack, the rebels occupied the main buildings in the inner city area. Patrick Pearse proclaimed the Irish Republic on April 25th. On April 28th, there were between 18,000 and 20,000 British soldiers against 1,600 rebels: the rebellion failed. [...]