Causes of the easter rising.

In the Gaelic revival of 1880-1910 saw a huge resurgence in Irish culture. It was clear Nationalism would not go away. The lack of political progress in Home Rule was feeding this. The Gaelic revival highlighted the fact that the Irish people wanted an Irish identify. The Gaelic movements like the GAA were not political organisations but IRB men used it as a way to recruit young Nationalists.

 The last main long term cause was the land question. Back in 1759 75% of the Irish population were Catholic. They only owned 5% of the land. In the 19th century Anglican landlords owned the land, tenant farmers rented it but had few rights. They were evicted in hard times like the Famine. After the 1867 rising British politicians realised something had to be done to stop farmers resorting to militant nationalism. Land acts were passed two thirds of Catholics owned their own land.

There were a number of short-term causes like Unionist opposition led by Edward Carson. Who was a strong leader basing his campaign in Ulster. He was determined no part of Ireland would have Home Rule. He stressed that it would be ‘Rome Rule’. Meaning it was a Catholic movement threatening the Protestant way of life. In 1912 Ulster Unionists led huge rallies against home rule. Making it clear they would use armed force against home rule. This showed Militant Nationalists violence was the only way to go.

Then came the revival of the IRB, which formed in 1848 under James Stephens. They were militant Nationalists who believed the only way forward was violence. The IRB was driven underground after the 1867 rising. They were reborn in the early twentieth century under Thomas Clarke, Padraig pearse, Sean mc Dermot and Eamoan De Valera. They admired Parnell and Irish history infiltrating Irish Cultural organisations like the GAA.

Another main cause was socialism under James Connelly. It was a movement for Ireland’s working class. Which was strongly linked to Nationalism. Connelly believed Ireland would not become a fair society until it became an independent state. Connelly also formed the ICA Irish citizens army to protect Irish strikers and demonstrators in regular street battles with police. They also joined volunteers in the rising.

The last short term cause was when the home rule bill resurfaced with John Redmond’s IPP finally in a position to achieve their dream goal. A third home rule bill was introduced in 1912. Due to the Lords restricted power they could only delay it for two years so it was set to become a law in 1914. As a result in 1913 Unionists formed the UVF. Southern Nationalists responded with the IVF. Civil war loomed but then came World War one and Home Rule was put on the back burner. Both joined British forces hoping their loyalty would be rewarded.

World war one was the immediate cause militant Nationalists saw England’s Difficulty as Ireland’s opportunity. They refused to fight in the war and began to plan a rising against Britain. They were frustrated at home rule being put on hold.

I believe the Easter rising was caused as result of Britain not giving the Irish home rule, which would have been seen as enough. Militant Nationalists were frustrated with the delay and planned an uprising.