Issue 1: The growth of tension in Ireland before 1914

Question 1

What were the differing economic reasons and religious features of the Northern Countries

Answer 1

Key factual Content:
•Ulster mainly Protestant- feared imposition of laws on Northern Ireland based on Catholic faith if there was Home Rule or independence.
•Ulster worried about loss of economic benefits from being part of the British Empire.
•The county option scheme- different demographic features of Irish Counties.

Analysis:
•Though religious divide was not unique to Ulster, it was most marked there.
•Businesses and industries reliant on Empire largely based in north, services based in South.
•Importance of information about demographic splits of population esp. in Ulster.

Question 2

Unionist and Nationalist responses to the Home Rule Bill

Answer 2

Key factual Content:
•Carson and Craig: e.g Solemn League & Covenant extravagant public speaking.
•Setting up of the UVF.
•The IVF set up as a reaction (members from the Gaelic League, the Gaelic Athletic Association, Sinn Fein and the IRB).
•In the 1913, the Irish Citizen Army (James Connolly).
•Gun-running (on both sides).

Analysis:
•Responses- on both sides- were direct and sometimes violent.
•Responses led to growing organisation and groups with specific objectives on both sides.
•Galvanised large numbers into expressing opinions eg. transport strikes, Covenant signing.
•Responses of both had a direct impact on the British parliament.

Question 3

The Irish Cultural Revival

Answer 3

Key factual Content:
•1883 the Gaelic League set up- preserving Irish language and Gaelic literature.
•1884, Gaelic Athletic Association: Gaelic footbAll and hurling popular.
•Some key features e.g Douglas Hyde we’re nationalists yet also Protestant.

Analysis:
•The divisive nature of promoting separate language, culture and activities from the rest of UK
•Compromise more difficult with a broader range of campaigns now emerging.
•Religion was an important, but not dominant force in the development of the movement.

Question 4

Re-emergence of Irish Republicanism

Answer 4

Key factual Content:
•Sinn Fein, founded by Arthur Griffith in 1904 to press for Irish independence.
•IRB revived with Thomas Clarke recruiting young men in Dublin for the movement.
•The Citizen’s Army, led by James Connolly.

Analysis:
•Both Sinn Fein and IRB prepared to use force to achieve objectives.
•The importance in drawing support from Irish communities abroad (eg. USA, Australia).
The Citizen’s Army connected Irish nationalism, and Republicanism to socialist ideas, drawing inspiration from other countries.

Question 5

Redmond and the nationalist party

Answer 5

Key factual Content:
•1911 Parliament Act passed with support of John Redmond, leader of the INP (reduced power of the House of Lords, which was dominated by Conservatives): Home Rule Bill for Ireland, previously blocked by the House of Lords, could now be passed.
•John Redmond claimed Home Rule Bill would lead to greater unity and strength
between Britain and Ireland would show Britain was willing to treat Ireland equally, as part of the empire.
•High support for INP and Redmond so strong support for Home Rule throughout
southern Ireland.

Analysis:
•The debate over Home Rule Bill alerted people to growing complexity of the problem but connection between Conservatives and Unionists was important in shaping future of Ulster.
INP keen to find balance between Home Rule and retaining British status.
•Redmond based election campaigns on Home Rule so committed to process as a result.
•Fears about outbreak of Great War in 191 4 led to issues of “loyalty’ in Ireland