The easter rising

The Easter Rising 1916

Causes of the Rising

  1. Irish Republican Brotherhood (IRB)

    • Aimed for an independent Irish Republic.

    • Capitalized on Britain’s preoccupation with WW1: "England's difficulty was Ireland's opportunity."

  2. Lack of British Preparedness

    • Underestimated domestic threats.

  3. Unionist Resistance

    • Continued among Unionists, especially in Northern Ireland.

    • IRB feared waning public support for Home Rule.

  4. Key Leaders

    • Clarke & MacDermott: Formed the IRB Military Council in September 1915 to plan rebellion.

    • Pearse: Advocated for a ‘Blood Sacrifice’ to inspire national awakening.

  5. Financial Backing

    • Funds raised in the USA by Clan na Gael, supported by Irish emigrants.

Plot Development

  • Planned rebellion for Easter 1916, involving James Connolly and the Irish Citizens Army (ICA) with a Marxist approach.

  • German Support: Sir Roger Casement procured 20,000 rifles from Germany, but interception led to failure.

Events of the Rising

  1. Commencement

    • Began Easter Monday, April 24, 1916, with 1,500 rebels due to initial miscommunication.

  2. Key Actions

    • Pearse declared the Proclamation of the Irish Republic.

    • Occupied significant locations like the General Post Office (GPO) but failed to seize Dublin Castle.

  3. British Response

    • 6,500 troops deployed; minimal fighting outside Dublin; rebels heavily outnumbered (20 to 1).

  4. Surrender

    • Circumstances deteriorated, leading to surrender on April 29.

Immediate Impact of the Rising

  1. Casualties

    • 60 rebels, 132 British forces, and 300 civilians killed; 2,500 wounded.

  2. Destruction

    • Significant damage in Dublin’s city center, estimated at £3 million.

  3. Martial Law

    • Enacted for military control; severe punishment for looters.

  4. Public Sentiment

    • Initial anger shifted to sympathy as people witnessed the aftermath.

  5. Arrests and Trials

    • 3,000 arrests, including many non-combatants; 90 leaders convicted of treason, with 15 executed.

  6. Casement’s Fate

    • Tried and hanged for treason in September 1916.

Long-Term Effects

  • Executions shifted public anger towards British authorities, leading to increased political tensions and granting amnesty in 1917.