History of Irish Nationalism: 1800-1922
About
“Remnants of a building on O’Connell Street following the Easter Rising, 1916, including bystanders and pedestrians,” ca 1916, National Library of Ireland
Over the course of the nineteenth century, profound changes (and lack thereof) drove the establishment and development of various nationalist movements in Ireland. Gaining particular momentum in the mid-nineteenth century, leagues, associations, societies, and parties were founded across the country with a shared goal of upending Ireland’s subordination to England. Despite this common aim, their programmes also contained deep divisions. Should the target be Home Rule (the establishment of an Irish Parliament responsible for domestic affairs)? Or, should the aim be full independence?
Another division was the method by which these objectives would be attained. Will they gain sovereignty via parliamentary agitation? Or, should they funnel their energy towards a violent revolution against England?
Explore the timeline, map, and slide images to understand the development of Irish Nationalism from the mid-nineteenth century through to 1922.
