The Irish Revolution 1912-1925

The years 1912-25 saw the violent end of British rule in Ireland and its replacement with two new Irish states representing conflicting visions of the Irish future. Typically styled as a an ‘Irish revolution’ this period in fact saw two dual revolutions carried out by unionists and nationalists. Despite their mutual antagonism and polarised political outlooks, they shared a great deal in common. Both used protest and violence to repudiate British authority in Ireland and established their own power by engaging in brutal civil wars which saw the deliberate targeting of political and religious minorities.

The course offers an accessible and comprehensive analysis of the main events by examining the causes, course and consequence of revolutionary change in Ireland from the initial crisis over the Third Home Rule Bill in 1912 to the consolidation of partition Ulster with the settling of the boundary issue in 1925. Major topic areas will include:

-The Ulster Crisis of 1912-1914

-The Easter Rising and the rise of Sinn Fein

-The IRA and the Irish War of Independence

-The turbulent birth of Northern Ireland and the copperfastening of partition

-The Irish Civil War

Presented in an accessible style with particular reference to the needs of beginners and those with a general interest in the period, it also caters for students in further and higher education. Each section contains an easy to follow narrative, guides to the most important reading on the topics, sample historical writings, sample essay and examination questions and links to web resources.

The course is supported by an appendix of contemporary sources and a range of additional information including a chronology of significant events, maps, a glossary of key individuals and an extensive bibliography. This course is sure to be welcomed by those interested in the areas of Irish history, Politics or Irish Studies as well as anyone trying to get to grips with this most turbulent and fascinating period of modern Irish history which continues to shape modern Ireland to this day.