Socio-Economic Factors of Irish Independence

The Act of Union, 1801, formally integrated Ireland into the United Kingdom, putting an end to Ireland's existence as a separate kingdom.

The Catholic Emancipation Act of 1829 granted Catholics the right to vote and hold public office in Ireland after years of discrimination and limited rights.

Daniel O'Connell's campaign for Catholic rights in the 1820s involved raising funds through "Catholic Rent", collecting small contributions from Irish Catholics to support their collective cause.

The Tithe War (1831-36) was a protest against mandatory payments to the established Protestant Church, highlighting ongoing religious and economic grievances in Ireland.

Ireland's economic reliance on agriculture, combined with overpopulation and land ownership concentrated in the hands of Protestant landlords, led to poverty and social unrest.

The Great Famine, caused by potato blight and British government inaction, resulted in widespread famine and death in Ireland, further deepening resentment towards British rule.

Daniel O'Connell's Repeal Association (1840) aimed to repeal the Act of Union and restore Ireland's independence. This movement reflected the growing desire for self-governance.

The movement for Irish independence was driven by a combination of social, economic, and political factors, including Catholic demands for equality, the impact of the Great Famine, and the desire for self-governing.

A movement that focused on gaining independence for Ireland through non-violent means, primarily through parliamentary legislation and agitation.

A group of Irish nationalists that believed in using violent means to achieve independence, influenced by the French Revolution.

An Irish nationalist movement that sought independence through armed rebellion, often inspired by European revolutions.

A period of unrest in Ireland during the late 19th century, characterized by tenant farmers' resistance to unfair rents and absentee landlords.

A series of laws enacted by the British government in the late 19th century to address the issue of land ownership in Ireland, aiming to provide greater security and rights to tenant farmers.

A political party founded in 1873 that advocated for Irish Home Rule, a form of self-government within the United Kingdom.

A significant rebellion in Ireland that took place in 1916, organized by Irish nationalists seeking independence from British rule.

A political party founded in 1905 that advocated for complete Irish independence from British rule, gaining prominence after the Easter Rising.

The Irish Republican Brotherhood, a secret organization dedicated to achieving an independent Irish Republic by any means necessary, including armed rebellion.

An attempt by the Irish Republican Brotherhood in 1867 to overthrow British rule in Ireland, ultimately unsuccessful due to poor planning and infiltration by informers.

A series of events stemming from the Fenian Rising where three Irishmen were executed for their involvement in the rebellion, becoming symbols of Irish resistance.

A botched prison break attempt by Fenians in Clerkenwell, London, which led to civilian casualties and public backlash, diminishing support for the organization.

An Anglo-Irish politician who played a key role in the Home Rule Movement, known for his radical approach and skillful leadership.

A significant figure in the Irish War of Independence, known for his military strategy, intelligence gathering, and political acumen.

A key figure in the Irish Revolution, known for his role in the Easter Rising, his leadership in Sinn Féin, and his later presidency of Ireland.

The Irish Republican Army (IRA) was a paramilitary organization that fought for Irish independence from British rule. They employed guerrilla tactics, such as ambushes, assassinations, and intelligence operations.

Michael Collins was a key figure in the Irish War of Independence. He served as Director of Intelligence for the IRA and led a highly effective campaign against British forces. He is known for his strategic skills and his role in orchestrating guerrilla warfare.

Bloody Sunday, a pivotal event in the War of Independence, occurred on November 21, 1920. It involved the IRA's assassination of 12 British undercover agents, leading to British retaliation that killed 13 innocent civilians.

The Anglo-Irish Treaty, signed in 1921, marked a major turning point in Ireland's struggle for independence. It granted Ireland dominion status, meaning self-governance but with limited autonomy. However, it formalized the partition of Ireland, with Northern Ireland remaining under British rule.

The Irish Civil War erupted in 1922 as a result of the Anglo-Irish Treaty. Pro-Treaty forces led by Michael Collins supported the terms of the treaty, while Anti-Treaty forces led by Éamon de Valera opposed it.

Éamon de Valera was a prominent leader in the Irish independence movement. He served as President of the Dáil Éireann and opposed the Anglo-Irish Treaty due to its incomplete independence provisions. He later formed Fianna Fáil, a significant political party in Ireland.

Guerrilla warfare is a military strategy used by smaller, less powerful forces against larger, more conventional armies. It involves unconventional tactics like ambushes, sabotage, and hit-and-run attacks. The IRA's tactics in the Irish War of Independence reflect guerrilla warfare principles.

The Black and Tans were a special police force recruited by the British government to combat the IRA. They were known for their brutality and violent reprisals against civilians, which further inflamed tensions and fueled support for the Irish independence movement.

The Irish Free State, established in 1922 after the Anglo-Irish Treaty, granted Ireland limited self-governance within the British Commonwealth. However, it faced significant challenges, including a divided society, economic difficulties, and tensions over partition.

Partition refers to the division of Ireland established by the Anglo-Irish Treaty in 1921. It created the Irish Free State (later the Republic of Ireland) in the south and Northern Ireland, which remained under British rule.

The Boundary Commission was established by the Anglo-Irish Treaty to determine the border between the Irish Free State and Northern Ireland. However, its work was hampered by political disagreements and the lack of cooperation from Northern Ireland.

Sinn Féin's Irish Bulletin was a newspaper played a key role in the propaganda war. It exposed British atrocities, promoting Irish nationalism and gaining international sympathy for the cause of Irish independence.

The Truce was a temporary ceasefire agreement reached in 1921 between the IRA and British forces after the bloodier stages of the War of Independence. It led to negotiations that resulted in the Anglo-Irish Treaty.

The Garda Síochána, established in 1922, replaced the police force of the Free State. It aimed to provide a more effective and impartial policing system, gaining public support and contributing to stability.

Fianna Fáil, founded by Éamon de Valera in 1926, became a major political party in Ireland. It was a major force in Irish politics, advocating for greater independence and challenging the Free State government.