Causes of the Easter Rising: Revival of the IRB Flashcards
How does F.S. Lyons describe the beginning of the 20th Century for the IRB?
“The ashes of revolt had long since grown cold.”
Tom Clarke’s role
> Tom Clarke returned from America and was co-opted onto the Supreme Council of the IRB in 1907.
From here he became president of the IRB on the Executive Council in 1912.
Clarke was primarily responsible for recruiting the “new blood” of Hobson, MacDermott and McCullough who were “the minority of Young Turks” in the IRB (Foster)
What does Lyons think is a major success of the rebels?
“One old man was on their side” (Lyons on Clarke)
Dungannon Clubs and Hobson
Hobson had set up Dungannon Clubs in 1905, what Tierney describes as an “Open Front” for the IRB. These clubs would later merge with Sinn Fein, showing the convergence of new nationalism. `
What does Foster have to say about Clarke and McDermott
They were “minority of a minority” in advocating for a rising in the IRB ; many did not want to repeat 1848 or 1867… but Clarke and MacDermott were eager to have a rising years in advance of the war.
The need for a military force
There were only 1,600 members of the IRB by 1914, and most of them such as Bulmer Hobson were against a rising. This meant a large military force was needed.
-Hobson’s drilling 1913, largely ignored by Brits
What about the O’Donovan Rossa Funeral?
> The O’Donovan Rossa Funeral was the chance to demonstrate the IRB’s new virility.
> Patrick Pearse’s speech: “The fools! They have left us our Fenian dead… on behalf of a new generation… that has accepted the responsibility to carry out the Fenian programme.”
What does McGarry say about the IRB as the principle cause of the Rising?
The IRB the most important of the 3 organisations in terms of planning and organising of the rebellion (IRB, IV and ICA).
But without the formation of the volunteers in 1913 and the Outbreak of War in 1914 the possibility of Clarke and MacDermott’s rising was nil.
What does Rees say about the IRB as the principle cause of the Rising?
“What made it so was the work of the IRB conspirators..”
