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1. Ireland 1912-1921 Irish Home Rule and Independence
A McCoy OCR AS 2009
2. Ireland
3. Key Events 1910 Irish National Party holds balance in H of C.
1912 Third Home Rule Bill
1912-13 The Ulster Crisis
1914 Third Home Rule Bill passed
1916 Easter Rising
1918 Sinn Fein declares independence
1920 Government of Ireland Act
1921 Anglo-Irish Treaty; Partition of Ireland
4. 1900-1906 Many Irish were largely satisfied by Gladstones land reforms.
Nonetheless, Irish Nationalism grew at end of 19th C.
Land Act 1903
Liberal Govt elected 1906 nominally committed to Home Rule. Land Act, or Wyndhams Act, 1903 intended to complete transfer of land from landlord to tenants. Intended to disarm Irish nationalists
Irish Nationalists decided to wait for Liberal govt to be elected and see if Home Rule was granted.
1906 Lib govt decided to put domestic reform first did not want to provoke domestic constitutional crisis by raising Home Rule
Irish Party could not force the issue as Lib govt not dependent on them.Land Act, or Wyndhams Act, 1903 intended to complete transfer of land from landlord to tenants. Intended to disarm Irish nationalists
Irish Nationalists decided to wait for Liberal govt to be elected and see if Home Rule was granted.
1906 Lib govt decided to put domestic reform first did not want to provoke domestic constitutional crisis by raising Home Rule
Irish Party could not force the issue as Lib govt not dependent on them.
5. Irish Nationalism Constitutional approach of the Irish National Party
James Connolly
Irish Republican Brotherhood
Sinn Fein INP ultimately split by scandals over Parnells love life but at this point unchallenged in domination of Irish Nationalist politics.
James Connolly Marxist socialist
IRB Republican but not Marxist
Sinn Fein Nationalist founded by Arthur Griffith 1905, rejected Connolly and INP. Favoured passive resistance and setting up institutions in Ireland and simply ignoring the Br ones. Known as The Austrian Solution because emulated Austro-Hungarian empire federalism. Griffith did not want a republic nor end of capitalismINP ultimately split by scandals over Parnells love life but at this point unchallenged in domination of Irish Nationalist politics.
James Connolly Marxist socialist
IRB Republican but not Marxist
Sinn Fein Nationalist founded by Arthur Griffith 1905, rejected Connolly and INP. Favoured passive resistance and setting up institutions in Ireland and simply ignoring the Br ones. Known as The Austrian Solution because emulated Austro-Hungarian empire federalism. Griffith did not want a republic nor end of capitalism
6. The Third Home Rule Bill, 1912 INP hold balance of power in Pment demand Home Rule back on agenda.
1912 3rd Home Rule Bill introduced:
Irish Pment to be introduced
42 Irish MPs at Westminster
Ulster to be included in Home Rule
Upset everybody passed by Commons 1913 but rejected by Lords.
The 1910 General Election called after the Constitutional Crisis following the 1909 Budget crisis saw the Libs lose their overall majority in the H of C.
Needed support of INP MPs
John Redmond, leader of INP offers support for Parliament Act provided Home rule given priority after House of Lords curbed
(H of L needed curbing first because would veto Home Rule legislation)
Parliament Act is passed 1911
Asquith intended to pass ltd Home Rule that Unionists could not argue was start of independence.
Asquith knew any measures would be opposed by Unionists in Br and by Ulster, a protestant pro-British area.
The Pment Act still allowed Lords to delay a Bill for two years would allow time for opposition to foment. Asquith didnt want this.
3rd Home Rule Bill introduced 1912 (First two introduced by Gladstone)
Proposed
An Irish Parliament, with elected lower chamber and nominated upper house but strictly limited powers. Westminster responsible for foreign policy, trade, customs and excise and military matters
42 Irish MPs at Westminster
Ulster to be included in Home Rule Parliament
This was v moderate Redmond felt it didnt go far enough, the Unionists felt it went too far, esp inclusion of Ulster. Bonar Law indicated that Ulster might rise to prevent this.
Bill passed by Commons 1913 but rejected by Lords
August 1913 passed a second time through Commons, rejected by Lords
The 1910 General Election called after the Constitutional Crisis following the 1909 Budget crisis saw the Libs lose their overall majority in the H of C.
Needed support of INP MPs
John Redmond, leader of INP offers support for Parliament Act provided Home rule given priority after House of Lords curbed
(H of L needed curbing first because would veto Home Rule legislation)
Parliament Act is passed 1911
Asquith intended to pass ltd Home Rule that Unionists could not argue was start of independence.
Asquith knew any measures would be opposed by Unionists in Br and by Ulster, a protestant pro-British area.
The Pment Act still allowed Lords to delay a Bill for two years would allow time for opposition to foment. Asquith didnt want this.
3rd Home Rule Bill introduced 1912 (First two introduced by Gladstone)
Proposed
An Irish Parliament, with elected lower chamber and nominated upper house but strictly limited powers. Westminster responsible for foreign policy, trade, customs and excise and military matters
42 Irish MPs at Westminster
Ulster to be included in Home Rule Parliament
This was v moderate Redmond felt it didnt go far enough, the Unionists felt it went too far, esp inclusion of Ulster. Bonar Law indicated that Ulster might rise to prevent this.
Bill passed by Commons 1913 but rejected by Lords
August 1913 passed a second time through Commons, rejected by Lords
7. What were the reactions to Home Rule in Ireland? Ulster Leader Sir Edward Carson demanded Ulster be excluded from deal
Sept 1912, Solemn League and Covenant
Jan 1913, Ulster Volunteer Force founded
Nationalists set up Irish National Volunteers
Significant danger of civil war! Ulster leader Sir Edward Carson called for all of Ulster to be excluded including 3 Catholic counties. Redmond couldnt agree to this, Asquith could only offer ltd independence for Ulster in Home Rule deal.
Carson had been organising Unionist resistance for some time as leader of the Irish Unionist Parliamentary Party. September 1911, James Craig organised 50,000 strong Unionist protest September 1912 Carson founded the Solemn League and Covenant 470,000 signatories in Ulster promising to resist home rule. See quote Rees, p100. Jan 1913, UVF set up 100,000 men. In response, Nationalists set up Irish National Volunteers, controlled by Redmond many Irish Republican Brotherhood join. Real fear of civil war. Not helped by Bonar-Law of the (Unionist Party aka Conservatives) and his Blenheim speech. See Rees p101. Bonar Law believed:
Opposition to HR would make him popular
There was no mandate for HR
Liberals were only supporting HR because needed Irish Nationalist Party support.
Believed it would contribute to break up of Empire.
Ulster leader Sir Edward Carson called for all of Ulster to be excluded including 3 Catholic counties. Redmond couldnt agree to this, Asquith could only offer ltd independence for Ulster in Home Rule deal.
Carson had been organising Unionist resistance for some time as leader of the Irish Unionist Parliamentary Party. September 1911, James Craig organised 50,000 strong Unionist protest September 1912 Carson founded the Solemn League and Covenant 470,000 signatories in Ulster promising to resist home rule. See quote Rees, p100. Jan 1913, UVF set up 100,000 men. In response, Nationalists set up Irish National Volunteers, controlled by Redmond many Irish Republican Brotherhood join. Real fear of civil war. Not helped by Bonar-Law of the (Unionist Party aka Conservatives) and his Blenheim speech. See Rees p101. Bonar Law believed:
Opposition to HR would make him popular
There was no mandate for HR
Liberals were only supporting HR because needed Irish Nationalist Party support.
Believed it would contribute to break up of Empire.
8. Managing the Crisis You are Herbert Asquith.
The Irish nationalists are dissatisfied with the Third Home rule Bill
The Ulster Unionists are dissatisfied with the Home Rule Bill
The British Army in Ireland is sympathetic to the Ulster Unionists
Your domestic opponents in Great Britain are opposed to the Third Home Rule Bill.
What would you do at this point? (Resign and live in the country writing your memoirs is an option but try to think of a political solution to offer)
9. Managing the Crisis Dec. 1913 Asquith bans arms imports to Ireland
Ulster to be excluded from Home Rule for 3 (6) years
Anglo-Irish Army leaders given leave
UVF encouraged to arm
INV respond
Amending Bill introduced referendum within Ulster
Dec 1913 Asquith bans taking of arms to Ireland attempt to prevent both sides arming. Also decides to put more pressure on redmond to allay Pments fears. redmond forced to accept the exclusion of Ulster from Home Rule for 3 years (Asquith then doubled it to six) Asquiths proposal raised idea of partition. redmond only accepted deal because he was sure Carson would reject because the exclusion was temporary. Carson did so.
Asquith realised British Army units in Ireland were staffed by Anglo-Irish Protestants worried if there was Civil War, Army units would simply support Ulster Unionists. Asquith gives temporary leave to any Army officers with homes in Ulster. Army leaders not happy about this suggest to their men that Ulster might be in a blaze shortly.
58 officers resign, March 1914 Curragh Mutiny govt has to concede to the army, the Sec of State for war even suggesting force wouldnt be used against opponents of Home Rule. (Sec of State has to resign for this)
Govt appears weak and indecisive
Govt also encourages UVF to arm itself weapons are landed authorities do nothing , despite Asquiths ban.
Irish National Volunteers land arms for themselves though authorities seek to stop that.
Meanwhile in Br, Asquith seeks to gain compromise from leader of Cons, Bonar law and Carson by saying there will be amendments to Third Home Rule Bill (doest say what). redmond little consulted on these.
Finally Asquith suggests that the Amending Bill exclude Ulster Provinces for 6 years from Home Rule and allow the counties of Ulster to vote on their own future. Carson rejects.
Lords suggest automatic exclusion of all 9 Ulster counties on permanent basis. Unacceptable to govt.
King proposes a conference at Buck Palace to discuss the future of Ulster. The parties couldnt even agree on a definition of Ulster.
Talks break down WWI breaks out.Dec 1913 Asquith bans taking of arms to Ireland attempt to prevent both sides arming. Also decides to put more pressure on redmond to allay Pments fears. redmond forced to accept the exclusion of Ulster from Home Rule for 3 years (Asquith then doubled it to six) Asquiths proposal raised idea of partition. redmond only accepted deal because he was sure Carson would reject because the exclusion was temporary. Carson did so.
Asquith realised British Army units in Ireland were staffed by Anglo-Irish Protestants worried if there was Civil War, Army units would simply support Ulster Unionists. Asquith gives temporary leave to any Army officers with homes in Ulster. Army leaders not happy about this suggest to their men that Ulster might be in a blaze shortly.
58 officers resign, March 1914 Curragh Mutiny govt has to concede to the army, the Sec of State for war even suggesting force wouldnt be used against opponents of Home Rule. (Sec of State has to resign for this)
Govt appears weak and indecisive
Govt also encourages UVF to arm itself weapons are landed authorities do nothing , despite Asquiths ban.
Irish National Volunteers land arms for themselves though authorities seek to stop that.
Meanwhile in Br, Asquith seeks to gain compromise from leader of Cons, Bonar law and Carson by saying there will be amendments to Third Home Rule Bill (doest say what). redmond little consulted on these.
Finally Asquith suggests that the Amending Bill exclude Ulster Provinces for 6 years from Home Rule and allow the counties of Ulster to vote on their own future. Carson rejects.
Lords suggest automatic exclusion of all 9 Ulster counties on permanent basis. Unacceptable to govt.
King proposes a conference at Buck Palace to discuss the future of Ulster. The parties couldnt even agree on a definition of Ulster.
Talks break down WWI breaks out.
10. What Impact did World War I have on Ireland? The conference was suspended
Home Rule Act passed but suspended for duration of war
War seemed to bring Ireland together more as Unionists and Nationalists joined up to defeat Germany
But some dissatisfaction eg UVF set up own division, the Irish Volunteers were not allowed to do the same
Some die hard Nationalists saw this as collaboration Easter Rising, 1916 occurs Redmond had taken over the Irish National Volunteers promised the Br Govt they would defend Ireland from G attack and encouraged members to join regular Br army.
Some early dissatisfactions UVF was allowed to set up own dividsion in Br Army, Irish Volunteers werent; Redmonds son was denied a commission and May 1915, Carson became a Cabinet member of the coalition govt.
Many Irish joined up nonetheless minority saw this as collaboration with the enemy Br and broke away from redmond. These drew closer to Connollys Citizen ArmyRedmond had taken over the Irish National Volunteers promised the Br Govt they would defend Ireland from G attack and encouraged members to join regular Br army.
Some early dissatisfactions UVF was allowed to set up own dividsion in Br Army, Irish Volunteers werent; Redmonds son was denied a commission and May 1915, Carson became a Cabinet member of the coalition govt.
Many Irish joined up nonetheless minority saw this as collaboration with the enemy Br and broke away from redmond. These drew closer to Connollys Citizen Army
11. The Easter Rising, 1916 Clarke, Pearse and Connolly were the ringleaders
Secrecy made for uncertainty
Arms from Germany didnt arrive
The National Volunteers equivocated
Irelands independence announced outside Dublin Post Office
Lack of popular support A range of groups were involved in organising the rebellion mainly the Irish Republican Brotherhood and Irish Citizen Army
Rebellion failed fear of infiltration meant plans had been kept secret
Arms from G didnt arrive
National Volunteers commander gave reluctant support but seeing the lack of arms and the duplicity of the other Nationalist IRB leaders, withdrew this
Plans had to be changed by the rebel leaders so that the rising took place on Easter Monday
Irish people condemned the uprising.
Rebels held Dublin for a week Br army reduced the city to rubble and captured leaders
15 rebels executed, 1841 nationalists taken to Br and interned mood in Ireland changed to sympathy with the rebels.A range of groups were involved in organising the rebellion mainly the Irish Republican Brotherhood and Irish Citizen Army
Rebellion failed fear of infiltration meant plans had been kept secret
Arms from G didnt arrive
National Volunteers commander gave reluctant support but seeing the lack of arms and the duplicity of the other Nationalist IRB leaders, withdrew this
Plans had to be changed by the rebel leaders so that the rising took place on Easter Monday
Irish people condemned the uprising.
Rebels held Dublin for a week Br army reduced the city to rubble and captured leaders
15 rebels executed, 1841 nationalists taken to Br and interned mood in Ireland changed to sympathy with the rebels.
12. What were the effects of the Easter Rising, 1916? Sympathy for the rebels amongst ordinary Irish nationalists grew after the executions
Unionists saw them as traitors
Opinions in Ireland were therefore more polarised
Asquith offers immediate Home Rule and attempts to hold a convention - fails Asquiths offers Home Rule (with the exclusion of the 6 Protestant counties of Ulster) immediately and a convention on the future of Ulster. Sinn Fein (which now included remnants of the rebels) refuses
1917 imprisonned rebels released as act of goodwill by Asquith and to impress US but this allowed many hundreds of republicans to return to Ireland
Br govt looks weak and ineffectual.
Br govt tries to impose conscription in Ireland. Galvanises Nationalist support behind Sinn Fein. Irish nationalists turn away from INP seen as ineffectual. Dealing with Irish opposition to conscription ties down 87,500 Br troops in ireland.
1918 Gen Election INP win 7 seats, Sinn Fein 73.
Sinn Fein refuse seats at Westminster and set up Dail Eireann instead Assembly of Ireland.Asquiths offers Home Rule (with the exclusion of the 6 Protestant counties of Ulster) immediately and a convention on the future of Ulster. Sinn Fein (which now included remnants of the rebels) refuses
1917 imprisonned rebels released as act of goodwill by Asquith and to impress US but this allowed many hundreds of republicans to return to Ireland
Br govt looks weak and ineffectual.
Br govt tries to impose conscription in Ireland. Galvanises Nationalist support behind Sinn Fein. Irish nationalists turn away from INP seen as ineffectual. Dealing with Irish opposition to conscription ties down 87,500 Br troops in ireland.
1918 Gen Election INP win 7 seats, Sinn Fein 73.
Sinn Fein refuse seats at Westminster and set up Dail Eireann instead Assembly of Ireland.
13. War of Irish Independence 1919-21 1918 IRA under Michael Collins charge
Refusal of self determination by Br govt
IRA terrorism
Black and Tans terrorism
Br reputation damaged; Irish Nationalists exhausted.
Compromise sought Announcing a Dail left the Br govt unable to claim that the Nationalist rebels were a small group of extremists.
Griffiths (Easter Rising Leader), de Valera (junior member of Easter Rising) and Michael Collins led the Dail
Oct 1917 de Valera becomes President of Sinn Fein and in 1918 unofficial leader of the Dail
Michael Collins founds the IRA from the Irish Volunteers military wing of republicanism
Hoped in 1919 that self determination, with US support, would be given to Ireland- doesnt happen
IRA terrorist actions begin
Govt responds with Black and Tans and auxiliaries to reinforce Royal Irish Constabulary
Both sides, Govt and Irish Nationalists have little control over their armed groups.
Govt aware that Br reputation being damaged abroad
Br Press coverage of Black and Tans unfavourable
Leading Br figures demand peace AB of C and King
By end of 1920 IRA short of men and arms Irish political leaders seek compromise.Announcing a Dail left the Br govt unable to claim that the Nationalist rebels were a small group of extremists.
Griffiths (Easter Rising Leader), de Valera (junior member of Easter Rising) and Michael Collins led the Dail
Oct 1917 de Valera becomes President of Sinn Fein and in 1918 unofficial leader of the Dail
Michael Collins founds the IRA from the Irish Volunteers military wing of republicanism
Hoped in 1919 that self determination, with US support, would be given to Ireland- doesnt happen
IRA terrorist actions begin
Govt responds with Black and Tans and auxiliaries to reinforce Royal Irish Constabulary
Both sides, Govt and Irish Nationalists have little control over their armed groups.
Govt aware that Br reputation being damaged abroad
Br Press coverage of Black and Tans unfavourable
Leading Br figures demand peace AB of C and King
By end of 1920 IRA short of men and arms Irish political leaders seek compromise.
14. The Partition of Ireland Compromise needed
Government of Ireland Act, 1920
June 1921 Home Rule for Northern Ireland granted
Dec. 1921 Anglo-Irish Treaty
1922, Southern Ireland granted Dominion status as Irish Free State
De Valera and Collins agree later split
1922-3 civil war breaks out in Ireland Br govt was coalition of Libs and Unionists (name for Conservative Party) any compromise had to satisfy Unionists
Govt of Ireland Act 1920 suggested by DLG Idea was to have separate Home Rule for Northern (6 prot counties only) and Southern Ireland and a Council of Ireland drawn from both to oversee reunification.
Ulster Unionists agreed because realised they would be able simply to refuse any further moves at the Council for unification.
Nationalists refuse on a popular mandate, having gained an overwhelming majority in May 1921 elections
June 1921 Home Rule for Northern Ireland granted and Br govt seeks end to civil war
DLG offers Ireland Dominion status and Northern Ireland to be controlled by Dublin too (Unionist Party outcry makes DLG withdraw this last point). DLG then threatens to crush the IRA and then finally offers partition, hinting to Collins and de Valera that the North would be so limited that it would ultimately have to unite with the South
Dec 1921 Anglo-Irish Treaty signed Irish Free State with Dominion status created; Northern Ireland formed from 6 Prot counties to remain in UK. Council of Ireland to be set up to help create a united Ireland.
Collins and De Valera accept Dominion Status and term Irish Free State but many Irish nationalists not happy. As Dominion, Ireland continued to have Br monarch as Head of State.
Split between Collins and de Valera Collins for agreement, de Valera against.
Civil war breaks out 1922 more violent that Irish War of Independence
DLG loses office
Partition of Ireland is botched
Council isnt set upBr govt was coalition of Libs and Unionists (name for Conservative Party) any compromise had to satisfy Unionists
Govt of Ireland Act 1920 suggested by DLG Idea was to have separate Home Rule for Northern (6 prot counties only) and Southern Ireland and a Council of Ireland drawn from both to oversee reunification.
Ulster Unionists agreed because realised they would be able simply to refuse any further moves at the Council for unification.
Nationalists refuse on a popular mandate, having gained an overwhelming majority in May 1921 elections
June 1921 Home Rule for Northern Ireland granted and Br govt seeks end to civil war
DLG offers Ireland Dominion status and Northern Ireland to be controlled by Dublin too (Unionist Party outcry makes DLG withdraw this last point). DLG then threatens to crush the IRA and then finally offers partition, hinting to Collins and de Valera that the North would be so limited that it would ultimately have to unite with the South
Dec 1921 Anglo-Irish Treaty signed Irish Free State with Dominion status created; Northern Ireland formed from 6 Prot counties to remain in UK. Council of Ireland to be set up to help create a united Ireland.
Collins and De Valera accept Dominion Status and term Irish Free State but many Irish nationalists not happy. As Dominion, Ireland continued to have Br monarch as Head of State.
Split between Collins and de Valera Collins for agreement, de Valera against.
Civil war breaks out 1922 more violent that Irish War of Independence
DLG loses office
Partition of Ireland is botched
Council isnt set up
15. Activities Reading
Byrne Exercise pp. 129-131
Rees cartoon, p. 109. What point does the Punch cartoon make?
Check past exam papers also.