WW1 Armistice Exhibition - The Irish Situation

The Irish Situation

• The majority of Irish nationalists were willing to suspend their battle for autonomy from the UK for the duration of the war.
• However many republicans saw the war as an opportunity to gain independence with an Irish Republic.
• On Easter Monday, the Republicans launched attacks on key buildings in Dublin, hoisted their flag above the General Post Office and declared a republic.
• The actions did no trigger an uprising across Ireland but in Dublin the fighting lasted for 6 days before control was re-established.
• 318 rebels died and 2,217 were wounded with the British army having 125 killed and 368 wounded.
• 90 rebels were sentenced to death at an immediate court martial of which 15 were executed including all seven signatories of the Easter Monday proclamation.