After Dark: Myths, Misdeeds & the Paranormal

Easter Rising: Build-Up To Irish Rebellion

Mar 27, 2025

Dr. Conor Mulvagh, a lecturer in Irish History at University College Dublin, dives into the fascinating build-up to the 1916 Easter Rising. He discusses how the turmoil of World War I created a ripe opportunity for revolution. Key figures like Patrick Pearse and Constance Markievicz emerge as pivotal players, with women’s contributions highlighted in this struggle for independence. Mulvagh unpacks the secretive strategies of the Irish Republican Brotherhood and the political tensions that set the stage for this historic rebellion.

52:27

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Dr. Conor Mulvagh

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Quick takeaways

The 1916 Easter Rising was fueled by long-standing Irish resistance, with activists seizing the moment during Britain's distraction in World War I.

Key figures in the Rising, such as Pearse and Markievicz, represented a fusion of military strategy and political ideals among diverse organizations.

Miscommunication and intercepted arms shipments complicated plans for the Rising, showcasing the precarious nature of rebellion amidst internal and external pressures.

Deep dives

Historical Context of Irish Nationalism

The backdrop of the 1916 Easter Rising is rooted in centuries of Irish resistance against British rule, which began formally with the Act of Union in 1801. The rise of Irish nationalism saw various movements, including the Irish Republican Brotherhood (IRB), which sought full independence and republicanism. As the majority of the Irish population remained Catholic and opposed British control, political voices like Daniel O'Connell aimed for constitutional changes, while radicals pushed for revolution. This landscape was further complicated by the outbreak of World War I, prompting some Irish nationalists to see an opportunity to act against British dominance while their forces were preoccupied.

Intro

2min

The Unfolding of the Easter Rising: Introduction to a Historic Declaration

5min

Ireland's Path to Independence

11min

Youth and Rebellion: The IRB's Secret Strategy

5min

Women in the Irish Easter Rising

18min

Political Turmoil in Dublin: The Road to Easter Rising

5min

The Road to the Easter Rising

12min

The Prelude to Rebellion: Context of the Easter Rising

4min

(Part 1/2) With Britain engaged in the First World War in Europe, Irish rebels sensed an opportunity.

Irish revolutions had fought for independence from Britain in the past, would the Easter Rising be any different?

In this first of two-parts, Anthony and Maddy talk to Dr. Conor Mulvagh, lecturer in Irish History at University College Dublin, about the dramatic events that lead to the 1916 Easter Rising.

This episode was edited by Tom Delargy and produced by Stuart Beckwith. The senior producer was Charlotte Long.

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All music from Epidemic Sounds.

After Dark: Myths, Misdeeds & the Paranormal is a History Hit podcast.

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After Dark: Myths, Misdeeds & the Paranormal

Easter Rising: Build-Up To Irish Rebellion

Episode guests