Union to Partition

Introductory Transcript

After the Easter Rising of 1916 Ireland was relatively quiet. Most of the leading radical Nationalists (Republicans) were in gaol.

However, the radicals were still active. In 1918 a General election brought stunning victories for Sinn Fein. Redmond’s moderate Nationalists were virtually wiped out.

The Republicans were determined to use their support to end British rule and make Ireland a Republic. They formed their own government called Dail Eireann.

At the same time, activists of the Irish Republican Army began a bitter underground war against the police and British army.

As the war of independence raged in much of Ireland, Ulster Unionists were determined not to be part of an Irish Republic. As Republicans and Unionists dug in, Partition seemed the only solution to a British government desperate to bring peace to Ireland.

Investigation

By 1922 Ireland was Partitioned into Northern Ireland and the Irish Free State. There is a lot of debate as to why this came about, because only 10 years earlier both Nationalists and Unionists were opposed to the Partition of the country. Examine whether events in Ulster or events in the rest of Ireland played a more important role in bringing about Partition.

The Assignment and Exercise will help you to understand this important issue.

Assignment

Exercise