Partition of Ireland: Key Factors

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Questions and Answers

What was the primary consequence of the abstention of Irish Nationalist MPs in the 1918 election?

Strengthened Unionist influence in the British Parliament (correct)

Increased representation for Nationalists in Westminster

Creation of a home rule parliament in Dublin

Formation of a unified nationalist front

Who chaired the committee set up by Lloyd George to investigate the Irish Question in 1919?

Winston Churchill

James Craig

Walter Long (correct)

David Lloyd George

What was a significant outcome of the Government of Ireland Act passed in December 1920?

Permanent partition of Ireland into two parliaments (correct)

Unification of Nationalist and Unionist parties

Achieving full independence for Ireland

Establishment of a single parliament for all of Ireland

What was the primary reason Unionists supported the creation of their own parliament?

To ensure control over nationalist sentiments Signup and view all the answers

What was the reaction of Sinn Fein to the concept of Home Rule for Southern Ireland?

Complete rejection of the proposal Signup and view all the answers

What event primarily influenced the formation of two separate parliaments in Ireland in 1920?

Government of Ireland Act Signup and view all the answers

Which group primarily opposed the Third Home Rule Bill, significantly influencing the partition?

Ulster Unionists Signup and view all the answers

Which political leader was associated with the Home Rule movement until 1918?

John Redmond Signup and view all the answers

What was a contributing factor to the growth of opposition towards British rule in Ireland after 1916?

The rise of Sinn Féin Signup and view all the answers

What political role did David Lloyd George hold during the partition of Ireland?

Prime Minister of the UK Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following terms best describes individuals who believed Ireland should remain part of the UK?

Unionists Signup and view all the answers

What was the main goal of Republicans during the period leading up to the partition?

Separate completely from Britain Signup and view all the answers

Which party's negotiations failed, leading to increased tensions in Ireland?

Home Rule Party Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant action taken by Ulster Unionists in response to the Third Home Rule Bill in 1912?

They massed at rallies to oppose the measure. Signup and view all the answers

What was the Ulster Volunteer Force's primary purpose?

To resist Home Rule by force if necessary. Signup and view all the answers

Which British political party fully supported Irish Unionists during the Home Rule Crisis?

The Conservative and Unionist Party Signup and view all the answers

What role did the absence of Nationalist participation in the national unity government have on partition?

It negatively impacted Nationalist interests. Signup and view all the answers

What was the impact of the 'Curragh Mutiny' on the situation regarding Home Rule?

It demonstrated the British army's reluctance to act against Ulster resistance. Signup and view all the answers

How did the 1916 Rising affect the perception of Nationalists by the British and Unionists?

It was seen as a betrayal during a time of need. Signup and view all the answers

How did British public opinion respond to the Ulster Division during World War I?

It was impressed by their performance and casualties at the Battle of the Somme. Signup and view all the answers

What was the result of the negotiations that occurred after the Easter Rising?

A breakdown of trust that led to deeper divisions. Signup and view all the answers

What approach did the Liberal Party take towards Home Rule compared to the Conservative Party?

They showed a willingness to compromise on Ulster. Signup and view all the answers

Which event indicated the high level of Unionist mobilization against Home Rule?

The signing of the Solemn League and Covenant. Signup and view all the answers

What political change in Britain after World War I affected Nationalism?

The rise of Conservative dominance in government. Signup and view all the answers

What was the number of members in the Ulster Volunteer Force when they were armed?

100,000 Signup and view all the answers

What was David Lloyd George's role in the negotiations with Redmond and Carson?

He negotiated separately with each party. Signup and view all the answers

How did the shift in Nationalist opinion towards Sinn Fein impact partition?

It solidified the Unionist position against radical movements. Signup and view all the answers

What guarantee did Carson receive regarding the exclusion of Ulster from Home Rule?

Assurance it would be permanent. Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of the political situation in Britain contributed to the difficulties facing Nationalists post World War I?

The fragmentation of the Liberal party. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Partition of Ireland: Factors

The Home Rule Crisis was a key factor, with strong opposition from Ulster Unionists, who mobilized to oppose the Third Home Rule Bill.
The Unionist campaign gained widespread support in the UK.
The Ulster Volunteer Force (UVF) militarized, reaching 100,000 members, further contributing to the partition.
The British were unable to rely on their own army to confront the UVF due to the Curragh Mutiny.
The depth of Unionist opposition forced the British to avoid imposing Home Rule against their will.
The Conservative and Unionist Party fully supported the Unionists, while the Liberals, although committed to Home Rule, were more willing to compromise on Ulster's exclusion.
World War I impacted politics in both Britain and Ireland, solidifying the Unionist stance.
The Ulster Division's performance in World War I, particularly at the Battle of the Somme, garnered additional support for special treatment of Ulster.
Nationalist participation in the national unity government was absent, weakening their position.
The 1916 Easter Rising, viewed as a betrayal by Britain and Unionists, strengthened Sinn Fein's influence, making partition more likely.
Negotiations following the Easter Rising, attempted by David Lloyd George, failed due to a lack of honesty with Unionists regarding the permanence of Ulster's exclusion.
The 1918 election resulted in a significant increase in Unionist representation in Parliament and a Nationalist abstention, strengthening the Unionists' position.
The Irish War of Independence, initiated due to the declaration of the 1st Dáil, further weakened the Nationalist cause.
The committee set up by Lloyd George in 1919, under the influence of Unionists, recommended permanent partition and two Home Rule parliaments.
The Government of Ireland Act, passed in December 1920, established the two parliaments, officially making partition a reality.
Unionists, initially opposed to a separate parliament, recognized its advantages as a protection against both Nationalists and potentially untrustworthy British politicians.
Southern Ireland's Home Rule never took hold due to its limited nature and unacceptance by Sinn Fein.
The 1921 Treaty negotiations failed to overturn the Government of Ireland Act, preserving the permanent partition of Ireland.

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Description

This quiz explores the critical factors that led to the Partition of Ireland, focusing on the Home Rule Crisis, Unionist opposition, and the impact of World War I. Examine how political dynamics and military mobilization contributed to the division. Test your knowledge on the events that shaped modern Ireland's history.