Issue 2: The impacy of WW1 on Ireland Flashcards
Introduction
Background:
- For people in Britain, world war 1 began in august of 1914. All of Britain, therefore all of ireland too, was directly involved and effected by the war. (B1)
- This war threw up a number of issues, which added to the complication of the situation in Ireland. These issues included volunteering, conscription, opportunity and home rule etc. (B2)
Outline your factors:
- Irish attitudes to World War 1
- Impact of the Easter Rising, 1916
- Anti-conscription campaign
- Decline of the Nationalist party
- The rise of Sinn Fein
Outline your argument
Factor 1- Irish attitudes to World War 1
KU- John Redmond backed war to try and get Home Rule, urging Irish men to enlist
Analysis- This had an impact on Ireland because it meant the war could be a reason for them getting Home Rule, so Nationalists and Republicans who wanted Home Rule would have supported the war at this point in hopes of getting Home Rule.
Analysis+ - However, some saw fighting for Britain as a betrayal against Ireland.
KU- Propaganda was also used showing Catholic Belgium being invaded by Germany.
Analysis- This had an impact on Nationalists/Catholics view on the war, so many of them showed support to the war.
Analysis+ - However, this did not have a huge impact on Ireland as it was only Catholics impacted by propaganda.
Evaluation-
Irish attitudes to world war one was a significant example of how war effected Ireland, as it pushed back home rule, and made the Irish work with the British.
Factor 2: Impact of the Easter Rising, 1916
KU- The IRB, led by Patrick Pearse, and the IVF planned a huge rebellion to drive the British out of Ireland, taking advantage of Britain having few troops because of war.
Analysis- This had an impact on Ireland as it gave the chance for a rebellion as the IRB and IVF were taking advantage of the war to use for their own cause.
KU- The rebellion went ahead on Easter Monday, 24th April, 1916. 1’500 Rebels took over Dublin Post office and other key buildings in the city, they claimed they were creating a new republic of Ireland. There was fighting over the next 5 days, the British sent and armed response and the rebels surrendered with over 400 dead.
Analysis- This had an impact as Britain has to use force, which took away sources from the war effort.
Analysis- However, the rising was unsuccessful and only served as an irritation to the UK government and public.
Evaluation:
The impact of the Easter Rising had a significant impact on Ireland as it caused a lot of damage and casualties to the city of Dublin, and also unsuccessful.
Factor 3: Anti-Conscription Campaign
KU- On 17th April, the British House of Commons had passed the Military Service Bill, enforcing conscription for all mean of military age in Ireland.
Analysis- This had an impact on Ireland as it was a trigger for a whole range of organisations representing Nationalist Ireland to resist what was seen by them, as a gross imposition.
Analysis+ - However, conscription in Ireland meant a lot of violent organisations would be left without men, and therefore couldn’t have any more risings etc.
KU- Sinn Fein was the one party to openly oppose conscription.
Analysis- This had an impact on Ireland as this drove Sinn Fein underground which improved their organisation.
Evaluation:
The Anti-conscription campaign had an impact on Ireland as it resulted in a loss of many Irish men, but also didn’t have much of a political impact other than Sinn Fein going underground, which led to the improvement of the organisation which would come into play later on.
Factor 4: Decline of the Nationalist Party
KU- John Redmond, leader of the INP, failed to react effectively to the British executions of the leaders of the Rising and became involved in negotiations with the British government later that year, where it seemed he had “softened” his position on partition.
Analysis- This had an impact as there was a growing feeling that the British could not be trusted and Nationalists could not deliver.
KU- Redmond died in March 1918, and by then, his party was in clear decline. New leader, John Dillon was seen as inconsistent as it seemed he was changing the position previously taken by Redmond, in terms of serving the war.
Analysis- This had an impact on Ireland as it led to the Rise of Sinn Fein, as many felt that Sinn Fein was doing more for Ireland than the Nationalist Party was.
Analysis+ - This rise of Sinn Fein led to the fall of the Nationalist Party by taking seats from them.
Evaluation:
The decline of the Nationalist party had a clear and big impact on Ireland as it led to the Rise of Sinn Fein.
Factor 5: The rise of Sinn Fein
KU- While in prison, IRB officer Micheal Collins was building up the organisation and planning for the IRB and Irish Volunteers and was now ready to encourage anti-British activity in ireland.
Analysis- This had an impact on Ireland as it was the development of Sinn Fein in terms of military preparation, and caused a lot of tension and fear witching Ireland.
KU- By 1917, Eamon De Valera was president of Sinn Fein and he won a by-election to become an MP, though he refused to take his seat in parliament.
Analysis- This had an impact on Ireland as it was the development of Sinn Fein in terms of political organisation
Conclusion
- ATQ “In conclusion…”
- Provide relative judgements of at least 2 factors. Give a balanced assessment (A/A+)
- Give your judgement “overall”
