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Dr Robert Lynch

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.

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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.

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What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Provide students with a critical understanding of the key events, causes and consequences of the irish revolution
  • To allow students to explore major themes in modern irish history in the era of revolution and partition
  • Acquaint students with a wide selection of relevant contemporary sources and conflicting historical interpretations
  • To introduce students to some of the most important scholarly debates in the field

Syllabus

Background to the Irish Revolution
Introduction and Course Overview
Consequences of the Famine
Constitutional Nationalism
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Advanced Nationalism
Physical Force Nationalism
Irish Unionism
Commentary-Background to the Irish Revolution
The Ulster Crisis, 1912-1914
The Third Home Rule Bill
Reactions to the Third Home Rule Bill
The Search for Compromise
Commentary - The Ulster Crisis 1912-14
The Easter Rising, 1916
Background to the Easter Rising
Planning and Participants in the Rising
The Course of the Rising
Aftermath of the Rising
Commentary - The Easter Rising 1916
The Rise of Sinn Fein, 1916-1918
Responses to the Rising
The Birth of Sinn Fein
The Irish Convention and the Unification of Sinn Fein
The December 1918 General Election
Commentary - The Rise of Sinn Fein 1916-1918
The War of Independence, 1919-1921
Origins of the War of Independence
The Shape of the Conflict
Michael Collins and the Intelligence War
Terror and Counter-Terror
Commentary-The War of Independence 1919-21
The Establishment of Northern Ireland
The Government of Ireland Act, 1920
The Partition Election, 1921
Violence comes to Ulster, Summer 1920
Northern Security Policy: Specials and Special Powers
Commentary - The Establishment of Northern Ireland
Truce and Treaty, July 1921-June 1922
The Truce Period, July -October 1921
The Anglo-Irish Treaty
Reactions to the Treaty
The Military Split
Commentary - Truce and Treaty
Partition and Power: Ulster in 1922
Michael Collins' Northern Policy
The Northern Offensive, January-June 1922
The Unionist Backlash, July-August 1922
Commentary - Partition and Power: Ulster in 1922
The Irish Civil War, 1922-1923
The Path to War
The Early Civil War, June-August 1922
The Guerrilla Phase of the Conflict
The Bitter End
The Boundary Commission, 1924-25
Commentary - The Irish Civil War 1922-23

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Introduces students to Irish history during a critical period of change and upheaval
Suitable for beginners with little to no knowledge of modern Irish history
Provides comprehensive instruction for those who do not have a strong foundation in Irish history
Provides a great overview of the Irish Revolution
Provides primary and secondary source references for further exploration, aiding understanding of modern Irish history
Taught by Dr Robert Lynch, who is an authority on Irish history and has written extensively on the topic

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Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in The Irish Revolution 1912-1925 with these activities:
Review: The Irish Revolution by Tim Pat Coogan
Reading and reviewing this book will provide you with a comprehensive overview of the Irish revolution.
Show steps
  • Read The Irish Revolution by Tim Pat Coogan.
  • Write a summary of the book, including the key events and people involved.
  • Answer the discussion questions at the end of each chapter.
Attend a Workshop on Irish History
Attending a workshop on Irish history will help you gain a deeper understanding of the context for the events covered in this course.
Show steps
  • Find a workshop on Irish history that is being offered in your area.
  • Attend the workshop and take notes on the material.
  • Discuss the material with the other participants.
Guided Tutorial on the Easter Rising
Following a guided tutorial on the Easter Rising will help you understand the significance and impact of this event.
Show steps
  • Find a guided tutorial on the Easter Rising online or in a library.
  • Watch or read the tutorial carefully, taking notes on the key points.
  • Answer the discussion questions at the end of the tutorial.
Three other activities
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Peer Study Group on the Irish War of Independence
Participating in a peer study group will help you learn from and collaborate with other students.
Show steps
  • Find a group of peers who are also taking this course.
  • Meet regularly to discuss the course material.
  • Work together to complete assignments and projects.
Practice Essay Questions on the Irish Revolution
Practicing essay questions will help you prepare for exams and improve your writing skills.
Show steps
  • Find sample essay questions on the Irish revolution online or in a library.
  • Write practice essays on these questions.
  • Get feedback on your essays from your instructor or a peer.
Create a Concept Map of the Irish Civil War
Creating a concept map of the Irish Civil War will help you visualize the key events and people involved.
Show steps
  • Identify the key events and people involved in the Irish Civil War.
  • Create a diagram or chart that shows the relationships between these events and people.
  • Label the diagram or chart with clear and concise text.

Career center

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