“Now and in time to be, Wherever green is worn, Are changed, changed utterly: A terrible beauty is born.” ~W.B. Yeats Easter Rising April 1916
Forces and causes Easter Rising Rise of cultural nationalism; Spread of literacy, vote, support WWI; “England’s difficulty is Ireland’s opportunity” Collection of passionate, experienced, organized leaders Frustrations with Home Rule Mvmt and constitutional methods Easter Rising Poverty sparks labor organization; Dublin Lockout of 1913 Rebirth of IRB; birth of other more militant nationalist orgs. Unionist resistance/power* & UVF inspire birth of IVF & ICA
Easter Uprising Heir to previous uprisings: 1641, 1798, 1848, 1867 “Critical mass” moment: Cultural nationalism/renaissance + frustration with peaceful methods + rise of militants & orgs. + capable leaders + perceived weakness of Empire + labor unrest --------------------------------- = “ripe moment”
WWI really changes the game.
WWI… Suspended the execution of the approved Home Rule bill Split nationalist armies (ICA and IVF) over their support of the British in the war effort Prove trustworthy for self-gov’t? Die for an Empire that didn’t consider you equal
The soldiers involved IVF + ICA soldiers Poorly equipped Decently trained
Cumann na nBan Cumann na nBan = “The Irishwomen’s Council” Auxiliary force of IVF of women volunteers Messengers, nurses, providers, even sharp shooters
6 days of violence Targets taken easily; then, defended British* response slow at first Smoked out rebels at GPO Heavy civilian casualties and destruction of property 30 April 1916: Pearse agrees to “unconditional surrender”
Padraig (Patrick) Pearse Leaders of the Rising Padraig (Patrick) Pearse Leader of Rising; read Proclamation Teacher, poet, political activist The “voice” of the Rising Executed May 3rd 1916 Thomas Clarke Strategic leader of Rising Long-time IRB member and top man in IVF Member of Clan na Gael Spent a lot of life in jail Executed May 3rd 1916 James Connolly Leader of ICA Socialist; labor organizer Believed even a failed uprising would “reawaken the soul of the nation” Shot; strapped to chair, executed May 12th 1916
Leaders of the Rising: Thomas MacDonagh Joseph Plunkett Sean Mac Diarmada
A full list, Kilmainham Gaol:
Dublin damaged
Aftermath 15 leaders executed @ Kilmainham Public sympathy for rebels, hostility for British* Seeds sown of political violence for the next century Michael Collins, Eamon de Valera, other survivors inspired to continue fight…
Commemorations Considered a KEY turning point in the mvmt for independence* Murals, events, and invocations keep the memory of the “brave few” alive as mythic heroes in the fight for full freedom