The 1916 Easter Rising occurred during Easter Week, from April 24 to April 29, marking a significant step toward Irish independence from British rule.
By the early 20th century, there was increasing momentum for Irish independence, largely spearheaded by the Home Rule movement. However, the outbreak of World War I in 1914 delayed the implementation of the Home Rule Bill, causing frustration among Irish nationalists.
Irish nationalists, inspired by republican ideals, decided the time had come for an armed rebellion to achieve full independence.
Groups involved in the 1916 Rising
The 1916 Easter Rising was a coalition of nationalist, republican, and socialist groups with varying but overlapping goals. Together, they laid the groundwork for the future Irish War of Independence, though their immediate military defeat set off a chain of events that ultimately led to Irish independence.
These groups represented different strands of Irish nationalism, united with the common goal of seeking independence from British rule.
Irish Republican Brotherhood (IRB)
A secret, revolutionary organization dedicated to achieving an independent Irish republic. The Irish Republican Brotherhood was the driving force behind the Rising. They planned the rebellion in secrecy, with leaders like Tom Clarke, Seán Mac Diarmada, and Patrick Pearse at the forefront. The IRB had been plotting for years, waiting for the right moment to strike. Their aim was full independence from Britain and the establishment of an Irish republic.
Irish Volunteers
A paramilitary group formed in 1913 to defend the cause of Irish Home Rule. The Irish Volunteers provided the bulk of the manpower during the Rising. Led by Patrick Pearse and Éamon de Valera, a breakaway faction of the Volunteers (about 1,200 men) participated in the Rising. Their leaders saw the war in Europe as an opportunity to fight for Irish independence while Britain was distracted. Originally formed to ensure the passage of Home Rule, a more radical faction of the Volunteers, aligned with the IRB, wanted to push for complete independence.
Irish Citizen Army (ICA)
A small socialist paramilitary group originally formed to protect workers during the 1913 Dublin Lockout. Led by James Connolly, the ICA joined forces with the Irish Volunteers in the Rising. Connolly was a committed socialist and labor leader who saw the rebellion as not only a fight for Irish independence but also a struggle for workers’ rights and social equality. The ICA’s participation was driven by the desire for both political independence and social revolution, advocating for an Ireland that would protect workers and the marginalized.
Cumann na mBan
The women’s auxiliary branch of the Irish Volunteers, founded in 1914. Cumann na mBan members played an essential role in supporting the Rising. Women were involved in various activities such as nursing, delivering messages, and smuggling arms. Some members also took up arms during the rebellion. Notable figures like Countess Markievicz played a combat role and became iconic figures in the movement. Their aim was to support Irish independence, with a focus on ensuring women’s participation in the nationalist cause.
Sinn Féin
A political party founded in 1905 by Arthur Griffith with the goal of Irish self-government. While Sinn Féin as a party was not directly involved in organizing the Rising, many members of the IRB and Irish Volunteers were also part of Sinn Féin. After the Rising, the British mistakenly associated the rebellion with Sinn Féin, which led to the party becoming a major political force advocating for complete Irish independence. Initially advocating for dual monarchy or a form of autonomy, Sinn Féin eventually embraced the goal of full republican independence following the Rising.
Fianna Éireann
A nationalist youth organization founded by Bulmer Hobson and Countess Markievicz in 1909. Fianna Éireann served as a training ground for young republicans, many of whom later joined the Irish Volunteers. Some members of Fianna Éireann took part in the Rising, acting as couriers, scouts, and providing logistical support. The organization was dedicated to training young people in the skills necessary to participate in Ireland’s struggle for independence.
Clan na Gael
An Irish-American republican organization, founded in the United States to support Irish independence efforts. Although not physically involved in the fighting, Clan na Gael provided significant financial and logistical support for the Rising. Their transatlantic connections also helped link the Irish republican cause with international efforts, including seeking German aid for the rebellion. To support Irish independence through financial aid and political lobbying in the U.S
The Hibernian Rifles
A small nationalist paramilitary group affiliated with the Ancient Order of Hibernians. Though small in number, members of the Hibernian Rifles fought alongside the rebels in Dublin, including at locations like the GPO. Similar to other groups, they were committed to Irish nationalism and independence from British rule.
Events of the 1916 Easter Rising
The plan for the Irish rebellion was drawn up by the Military Council of the Irish Republican Brotherhood who had also approved and signed the Proclamation of the Irish Republic. The rebellion was originally planned to be nationwide, but logistical failures and the capture of key figures like Roger Casement, who had been attempting to secure arms from Germany, diminished the scope of the uprising. It was largely confined to Dublin.
They knew their chances of beating the British was slim and if caught their punishment would be brutal but still, their determination for an independent Ireland was strongly held.
On Easter Monday, April 24, about 1,200 Irish men and women from the Irish Citizen Army and Irish Volunteers seized key buildings in Dublin, including the General Post Office (GPO), where the rebel leaders established their headquarters. Patrick Pearse stood outside the GPO and read the Proclamation of the Irish Republic, declaring Ireland’s independence from Britain.
The rebels fortified positions across the city, including the Four Courts, St. Stephen’s Green, and Boland’s Mill. The Irish rebels had also attempted raiding the British arsenal in Phoenix Park and also Dublin castle and failed, but they did manage to cut British communications for some time. However, Dublin castle did get word to other forts and London for the need of reinforcements against the rebellion.
The British government was initially caught off guard, but they quickly responded with overwhelming military force. Many street battles were taking place with the Irish rebels being successful in their attacks but British presence was growing fast as troops had been drafted in from all surrounding areas. Casualties were high with over 200 British forces being killed in outposts manned by determined rebels.
By Tuesday over 4,000 British forces had moved into a strategic format around Dublin city attacking the rebel strongholds and secured Dublin Castle among other buildings. The British numbers grew and by Friday, approximately 20,000 men were fighting against the 1,600 Irish rebels.
On Saturday, a large artillery bombardment was started by the British destroying many of the public buildings in and around O'Connell Street where the GPO was located, it too was destroyed but was later restored.
James Connolly had already ordered the evacuation of the GPO through another building that was adjacent but that too was near collapsing. With a high number of civilian fatalities, the Irish leaders decided to surrender unconditionally knowing only too well they'll face execution.
Executions of the 1916 leaders
The British response to the Rising was severe. Fifteen of the rebellion’s leaders, including Patrick Pearse, James Connolly, and Thomas Clarke, were executed by firing squad in May 1916 at Kilmainham Gaol in Dublin. The harshness of these executions, coupled with the widespread destruction caused by British forces, shifted public opinion dramatically in favor of the rebels.
Initially, the Rising had limited support among the Irish population, many of whom were sceptical of the rebels’ tactics. However, the British executions of the leaders, many of whom were seen as martyrs, galvanized nationalist sentiment. This surge in support led to increased backing for Sinn Féin, a political party that would soon advocate for full Irish independence.
The Rising set the stage for the Irish War of Independence (1919-1921), in which Irish republicans fought a guerrilla war against British forces. This conflict eventually led to the signing of the Anglo-Irish Treaty in 1921, and the establishment of the Irish Free State in 1922, a precursor to the modern Republic of Ireland. However, Ireland was partitioned leading to a vicious 30 year armed conflict.
