Easter Rising 1916 — Northern Ireland (P6–P7)

The Easter Rising 1916

1. 1 Background Ireland was part of the United Kingdom. The Home Rule movement sought self-government for Ireland; Unionists in Ulster opposed Home Rule. The First World War (1914-1918) delayed Home Rule legislation.
2. 2 The rebellion (24-29 April 1916) A small group of Irish nationalists (around 1,600 fighters) seized key buildings in Dublin, including the General Post Office (GPO). They proclaimed an Irish Republic.
3. 3 Patrick Pearse and James Connolly Pearse: schoolteacher and writer, leader of the Irish Volunteers. He read the Proclamation outside the GPO. Connolly: socialist trade unionist, leader of the Irish Citizen Army.
4. 4 British response British forces shelled Dublin's centre and the rebels surrendered after six days. Around 485 people died (more than half were civilians). Large parts of central Dublin were destroyed.
5. 5 The executions 15 leaders of the Rising were executed by firing squad, including Pearse and Connolly (who was severely wounded and tied to a chair to be shot). The executions shocked Irish public opinion and transformed views of the rebels.
6. 6 Long-term impact The Rising changed Irish public opinion in favour of independence. Sinn Féin won the 1918 general election; the War of Independence (1919-21) followed; partition created Northern Ireland in 1921.