Synopses & Reviews
An analysis of the political organisation of Irish republicanism after the Easter Rising of 1916.
Synopsis
Between 1916 and 1923 Ireland experienced a political as well as a military revolution. This book examines how--after the Easter Rising of 1916--radical revolutionaries formed a precarious coalition with (relatively) moderate politicians. The new Sinn F in party routed its enemies, cooperated uneasily with the underground Irish government, and achieved most of its objectives before disintegrating in 1922. Its rapid collapse should not distract from its achievements--in particular its role in "democratizing" the Irish revolution--while its successors since have dominated the political life of independent Ireland.
Synopsis
This book offers an analysis of the political organisation of Irish republicanism after the Easter Rising of 1916, studying the triumphant but short-lived Sinn Féin party which vanquished its enemy, co-operated uneasily with its military ally, and 'democratised' the anti-British campaign. Its successors have dominated the politics of independent Ireland.
Description
Includes bibliographical references (p. 466-490) and index.
About the Author
Michael Laffan is a member of the School of History at University College, Dublin. His previous publications include The Partition of Ireland, 1911 1925 (1983) and, as editor, The Burden of German History 1919-1945 (1988).
Table of Contents
Prologue: Before the Easter Rising: 1. Irish nationalists: politicians and rebels; The Irish Revolution: 2. 1916: rebellion and hibernation; 3. 1917: organisation and converts; 4. 1918: reverses and victory; 5. The party: structures and members; 6. Policy: beliefs and attitudes; 7. 1919 21: war and repression; 8. 1919 21: ministers and bureaucrats; 9. 1921 22: the treaty and the split; 10. 1922 23: the Pact election and the civil war; Epilogue: After the Civil War; 11. Irish republicans: fundamentalists and compromisers; Sources.