However, the backing of the Irish masses was not achieved (at first) as most citizens were either hostile and angry or bemused spectators. This indicates Connolly’s aim of having the backing of the Irish masses was a failure. The Catholic Church also condemned the Easter Rising; this also suggests how the Catholics would have been influenced by the Pope’s decision in condemning the rising. Furthermore, Redmond and other moderate nationalists also denounced it as well as the Irish Hone Rule Party. This indicates how unpopular the Easter Rising was towards the people of Ireland. However, the backing of the Irish population occurred only after a few weeks after the rising. The Irish attitudes began to change, which was mainly due to the policies adopted by the British government. Martial Law was introduced in Dublin, where General Maxwell made arrests, imprisonment and executions. The harshness of this policy and the callous way in which some of these executions were carried out aroused horror and resentment among those in Southern Ireland. Thus as a result, this gave “…moral credence to the rebels” which made the Irish people sympathise with them therefore changing their opinion of them. It could then be stated that their aim of getting the backing of the Irish public was partially achieved because in the end they did receive it but at the wrong time when it was not that important.
The Easter Rising did not achieve its aim of establishing Ireland as an independent state as Michael Lynch states: “…it was a small-scale and ill organised affair; it aroused little support …and was easily crushed.” This suggests how the Easter Rising was poorly planned from the start and had a small number of people involved. If it had been more publicised and gathered huge amounts of support it may possibly been able to fulfil its aim of turning Ireland into a republic. However, it was an ‘ill organised affair’ as there was confusion about when the rising would take place. This is because it was planned for Easter Sunday but instead was delayed and took place on Easter Monday. This resulted in less Irish Volunteers turning up than expected. Again this proves how the aim of Ireland becoming independent was weakened due to the confusion and lack of communication. It has to be stressed the aim would have been achieved if it had public backing and made sure it was large scale in order to receive some kind of positive publicity. The fact it was easily crushed suggests it would not have achieved its main aims.
Another aim was to break all links with Britain. Before, with the Home Rule Bill this meant Ireland would take care of its domestic policies and Britain would handle its foreign affairs. However, with the Easter Rising they wanted to destroy all ties with Britain. Again this was another failure, as they did not break communications with Britain. Although it has to be kept in mind that the Easter Rising may have played a small part in the Partition of Ireland where the republic of Ireland was created. This indicates that although the republic of Ireland was not a direct consequence of the Easter Rising, it may still have made the Irish public think more about the idea. Therefore, it can be said that the aim of breaking links with Britain was not achieved but it have been a factor, which contributed to the partition of Ireland.
Taking control of the centre of Dublin was another aim set forward by the Irish volunteers. This might not be a long-term aim but still counts as one. The Irish volunteers would carry this out according to Robert Kee: “…by taking over strategic strong points that would control site of Army barracks.” Garrisons also meant they could command access to other areas over Ireland this making sure the Rising was extended to other parts. These aims were achieved as they took over Jacobs Biscuit Factory, Railway stations these were important, as they were the means of communication and transport. Therefore, the fact that these aims were achieved shows that to a large extent the Easter Rising did not achieve its aims but to a small extent that it did.
The revolutionaries also hoped to obtain arms from Germany and Sir Roger Casement who was according to Paul Adelman “…a fanatical supporter of the Irish cause…” He left from America to Germany to obtain German support for an Irish revolution. In a letter of 1915, he expresses his frustration at the lack of real support among the Irish at home or abroad for an armed rebellion. He comments: “...the Irish in Ireland come forward now and give effective proof of their patroism…we are saying that a German victory over England will bring Ireland freedom…” However, this aim was also not achieved, as the rebels did not receive any outside help. This was due to the fact that the British Royal Navy had intercepted a German ship carrying weapons to the rebels. Moreover, Roger Casement landed on the coast of Ireland by a German submarine had been arrested by the British. This demonstrates that another aim was not achieved due to the quick actions by the British government.
Therefore, it can be argued that to a large extent the Easter Rising did not achieve its aims and to a small extent it did. The most important thing to mention is that it did not achieve its main aim of establishing Ireland as a republic or even breaking its ties with Britain. As Paul Adelman puts it: “The Rebellion was doomed from the start.” The fact that they did not have public support at the crucial moment that they needed it, is quite sad as the public opinion changed later on due to the British government’s harsh measures adopted. The aims they set towards were on the whole quite realistic but only could have fully been achieved if they planned out every detail, had better communications and most importantly the backing of the public at the right time.
Bibliography:
“Great Britain and the Irish Question” By Adelman, Paul
“Ireland and England” By Finn, Joe & Lynch, Michael
“Ireland” By Kee, Robert