239. Ireland’s Fight For Freedom: The Rise of The IRA (Ep 2)
Mar 20, 2025
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Diarmaid Ferriter, an esteemed author on Irish history, shares insights into the Easter Rising of 1916 and its aftermath. The brutal executions of rebel leaders sparked public sympathy, shifting sentiments toward Irish nationalism. Ferriter discusses Sinn Féin's rise amidst the chaos, its astounding electoral success in 1918, and refusal to seat in Westminster. The Irish Republican Army's guerrilla tactics mark the beginning of a fierce independence struggle. Key figures like Michael Collins and dramatic events such as Bloody Sunday are uncovered, illuminating the complexities of the movement.
The brutal executions of Easter Rising leaders transformed public perception, igniting nationalist support and depicting the rebels as martyrs for Irish independence.
Sinn Féin's accidental branding during the Easter Rising propelled its prominence, allowing it to evolve into a leading political force advocating for an independent Irish Republic.
The formation of the Irish Republican Army marked a significant shift from political protest to military action, intensifying the struggle for independence against British rule.
Deep dives
The Context and Impact of the Easter Rising
The Easter Rising of 1916 marked a critical moment when various Irish nationalist organizations united to call for independence from British rule. The insurrection saw rebels occupy significant buildings throughout Dublin for six days before ultimately surrendering. The aftermath revealed a mix of anger and betrayal among Dublin residents, particularly from families of soldiers serving in World War I, who perceived the rising as a stab in the back. Despite causing substantial property damage, estimated at around £2.5 million, the initial response from the public was marked by confusion and resentment regarding the protesters' motives, with many questioning the legitimacy of their actions.
Execution of the Leaders and Its Consequences
The executions of the Easter Rising leaders, orchestrated by British authorities, unexpectedly galvanized public sentiment in favor of the rebels. Many citizens began to view the executed individuals as martyrs for their cause, which led to a swelling of nationalist feeling among the Irish population. The drawn-out nature of the trials and the lack of legal representation for the leaders further fueled resentment against British rule, as did the indiscriminate roundups of suspected rebels leading to the arrest of thousands. This reaction highlighted a growing perception that the British response to the rising was excessive and counterproductive, ultimately contributing to a shift toward support for a more militant independence movement.
The Shift Toward Guerrilla Warfare
As political frustration mounted, a faction of the Irish Volunteers, now evolving into the Irish Republican Army (IRA), decided to escalate their approach beyond mere political protest and pursue military action against British forces. The supposed need for a more aggressive stance was underscored by increasing discontent with the lack of immediate actions following the Easter Rising. In January 1919, the first violent encounter in Tipperary, where two members of the Royal Irish Constabulary were killed, marked the start of the conflict known as the War of Independence. This shift opened a new phase characterized by guerrilla tactics, but it also presented challenges in maintaining discipline and coherence within the burgeoning IRA.
Repercussions of British Repression
The British response to the IRA's growing boldness involved the deployment of reinforcements, including the notorious Black and Tans, who quickly gained a reputation for brutality and a lack of discipline. Their violent tactics created a public relations nightmare for the British government and intensified nationalist sentiments within Ireland. Events like Bloody Sunday, where civilians were killed during retaliatory attacks, highlighted the chaos and moral complexities of the conflict. As propaganda efforts soared, both sides aimed to frame their narratives, with Sinn Féin leveraging British actions to solidify support for their independence cause.
Emergence of New Leadership in Sinn Féin
The political landscape shifted dramatically after the 1916 Rising, particularly with the rise of Eamon de Valera as a prominent figurehead advocating for Irish independence. His successful tour in America helped to secure funding and international recognition for the Irish Republic, despite mixed responses from American leadership. Meanwhile, Michael Collins emerged as an effective military organizer, coordinating intelligence efforts and guerrilla warfare strategies within the IRA, working to usurp British control. This period saw Sinn Féin transition from a small movement to a dominant political force as they capitalized on discontent towards British rule, culminating in their sweeping electoral victory in 1918.
The Irish republicans who led the Easter Rising of 1916 are tried for treason by the British government, and sentenced to death. Some are so unwell they have to be tied to a chair to be killed, and the brutality of these executions turns the tide of public opinion in Ireland, increasing support for the Republican cause.
The remaining revolutionaries are carted off to prisons and internment camps, where they come up with new ideas for the next fight for independence. The British press has misrepresented the Easter Rising as “The Sinn Féin Rebellion”, but this accidental branding gives the political party a newfound prominence, and its leaders seek to turn it into a national republican organisation. In 1918, during the first British general election where women can vote, Sinn Fein candidates win 73 seats in the Houses of Parliament. But they refuse to go to Westminster. They create their own parliament and declare themselves an independent Irish Republic. Meanwhile, the newly-named Irish Republican Army launches guerrilla attacks on the police force upholding British rule in Ireland. A new war of independence has begun…
Listen as William and Anita are joined once again by Diarmaid Ferriter, author of A Nation Not A Rabble, to discuss the significance of the Irish War of Independence.
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