Chapter 15 - Ireland 1916-1923: The Struggle for Independence Flashcards
What did the IRB believe?
The IRB believed ‘Britain’s difficulty was Ireland’s opportunity’.
How was the Rising planned?
The IRB formed a secret Military Council to organise the Rising. The council was secret due to the danger of infiltration by spies for the British government. Funds for weapons came from Irish America. JosephPlunkett and Sir Roger Casement used the money to buyguns and ammunition from Germany. The date was set for Easter Sunday 23rd April 1916. This was because Easter was a holiday periodand would be easierto seize buildings undetected.It was also becausePearse believed in the idea of ‘blood sacrifice.’ This meant the rebels would give up their lives for the future good of Ireland.
How did the IRB persuade MacNeill and the Irish Volunteers to take part in the Rebellion?
Volunteer involvement was important to the success of therising, soJoseph Plunkett forged a document, which he gave to MacNeill. This document was on Dublin Castleheaded paper and suggested the British planned todisarm the IrishVolunteers. It became known as the Castle Document and MacNeill gave permission forthe Volunteers to take part in the Rising.
Explain the beginning of the 1916 Rising.
The Military Council went ahead with the Rising on Easter Monday, 24 April 1916. Pearse felt that the British would not expect this after the loss of the Aud. As it was a bank holiday Monday, many British soldiers based in Dublin had the day off. Only Dublin volunteers could begathered at short notice and so the Rising was largely confined to the city. Most of the rebel leaders knew that the Rising would fail, but believed their sacrifice would inspire others.
On Easter Monday morning, about 1,500 Volunteers and members of the Irish Citizen Army marched from Liberty Hall to various city centre buildings. Pearse and Connollyoccupied theGPO and made it the headquarters of the Rising. Pearse read out the Proclamation of the Republic on the steps. Many people did not take them seriously and some thought it was a play.
What was Britains response to the Rising?
The British government was taken by surprise. Only 400 British soldiers were on duty that Easter Monday. However, extra soldiers were quickly brought in from the Curragh barracks in Co. Kildare and from England through ports such as Dún Laoghaire. By Tuesday evening, British soldiers outnumbered the rebels by 5,000.On Wednesday, the gunboat the Helga was brought up the Liffey and shelled the GPO.
Why did the Rising fail?
There was a lack of weapons and ammunition. Only a small number of Irish fighters took part. There was much confusion leading up to the Rising. Britain had greater numbers of soldiers and better weapons. The rebels based themselves in areas that could be easily surrounded. Many civilians did not realise the significance of the events until afterwards. It was not the countrywide rebellion that was intended.
What were the consequences of the Rising?
Over 485 people were killed and at least 2,600 were injured. Those lost included 260 civilians, 40 of whom were children. Damage to buildings and property throughout the city amounted to nearly €4 million in today’s money. Compensation claims resulted in the Rising costing the British exchequer about €200m in today’s money. Almost 3,000 people were sent to British prisons, such as Frongoch in Wales. Ninety leaders of the Rising were sentenced to death. Between 3 and 12 May 1916, 15 rebels were shot in Kilmainham Gaol, Dublin.
Why did Sinn Féin’s popularity rise after the Easter Rising? Explain your answer with 3 reasons.
Sinn Féin’s popularity rose after the Easter Rising for a number of reasons:
• Sinn Féin was given the recognition and credit for the Easter Rising in newspapers at the time.
• Many younger people became drawn to the party, feeling that the Irish Parliamentary Party (IPP) was outdated.
• Sinn Fein changed its aims in 1917. The new aim was to achieve ‘the international recognition of Ireland as an independent Irish Republic’.
What is conscription?
Conscription is when it’s made compulsory for men to join the military.
What did The 1918 General Election make clear?
A general election was held in December 1918, after the war ended. Of 105 seats in Ireland, Sinn Féin won 73 and the Unionist Party won 23, while the IPP won only 6. These election results made it clear that people no longer wanted a Home Rule parliament, but instead favoured a republic with complete independence from Britain.
When was the first Dáil created?
Sinn Féin formed a parliament in Dublin, in the Mansion House, Dawson St, on 21 January 1919.
They named it Dáil Eireann (‘meeting of Ireland”).
What was the First Dáil like?
At the first meeting, only 27 TDs were present because the remainder were in jail or on the run due to such events as the German Plot. The Irish Parliamentary Party and the Unionist Party refused to attend and continued attending Westminster. Cathal Brugha was chosen as president/leader of the Dáil, due to Griffith and de Valera being in jail. The Dáilissued a Declaration of Independence, pledging to establish an Irish Republic and to ‘make this declaration effective by every means atour command.’
What was declared illegal by the British government in late 1919?
The Dáil was declaredillegal by the British government in late 1919.
What changes did Sinn Féin make?
Sinn Féin gained control of local government. They foundedDáil courts, to deal with people’s court cases and crimes. They organised loans, from the general public and from America, to helprun thecountry and the British government passed the Government of Ireland Act 1920, in which there would be a Home Rule parliament in Ulster and one for the rest of Ireland, to try to keep both unionists and nationalists happy. By this stage it was too late and SinnFéin rejectedit, continuing to push for complete independence.
When did the War of Independence begin
The War of Independence began on 21 January 1919 - when a Royal Irish Constabulary (RIC) patrol was ambushed in Soloheadbeg, Co. Tipperary.
