Ireland and Independence 1914 -1921 Quiz

Answer: John Redmond

John Redmond had succeeded in getting a Home Rule Bill passed in the House of Commons. As a direct result of the end of the Lords Veto it would have become law after two years. However, he agreed to postpone Home Rule until after the War. Ironically, Ireland would not be satisfied with such limited self government when the war was finally over.

Answer: edward Carson

Edward Carson was a Unionist who was opposed to Home Rule, which he felt would be 'disastrous for the whole of Ireland'. In the event of Home rule being imposed from Westminister, he demanded that Ulster should be excluded. One of Redmond's biggest misjudgements was his underestimation of Unionist opposition to Home Rule.

Answer: Patrick Pearse

The 'rising' was a disaster from a military point of view. £3m. of damage was done to Dublin city and there were hundreds of civilian casualities. Initially, Dubliners stoned the 'rebels' when they surrendered.

Answer: Lloyd George

Lloyd George's first task in relation to Ireland was to stop the executions. General Maxwell had been heavy handed in dealing with the 'rebels'. Using executions, internment, a news blackout and a curfew, rumours had spread like wildfire. Pearse became a hero over night.

Answer: Eamon De Valera

De Valera had been spared execution in 1916 thanks to his American citizenship. He practised the Sinn Fein policy of being elected and setting up a government in Dublin and seeking to bypass Westminister. De Valera spent the next two years in America trying to get the support of Woodrow Wilson.

Answer: Yes

Following Wilson's 14 Point Plan, Sean T O'Cealaigh was sent to seek international recognition of Ireland as an independent country. He was ignored.

Answer: George V

Seeing the situation slide in Ireland, George V called a conference to see if he could broker a compromise between Unionists and Nationalists. The conference failed. At the opening of parliament in Belfast he made an impassioned plea for peace and reconciliation.

Answer: Michael Collins

Collins emerged as an intelligent, capable leader. He built up an effective spy network and managed funds from the USA. His exploits have become the stuff of legend. But he was also ruthless.

Answer: James Craig

The Government of Ireland Act, effectively gave Home Rule to Ulster. The Unionists' acceptance of it paved the way for negotiations with the rest of Ireland. Everywhere there was a longing for peace.

Answer: Arthur Griffith

The treaty established a Free State in what is now the Irish Republic. A bitter civil war followed between those who accepted partition and those who wanted a 32 county republic which would have included modern Northern Ireland, whether they wanted to be included or not.