Lecture Notes: Irish Political History and Home Rule

Introduction to the Parnell Split

• Parnell Split: Occurred in 1891, dividing the Irish Parliamentary Party into factions:
  • Led by John Dillon
  • Led by John Redmond
• Resulted in weakened party influence due to prevailing Conservative power.

Conservative Strategy: "Killing Home Rule with Kindness"

• Strategy: Implement legislation favorable to Ireland to reduce animosity and demands for Home Rule.
• Home Rule Bills:
  • Second Home Rule Bill (1893) passed in Commons but rejected by Lords.
  • Demonstrated the power of the Conservative-majority House of Lords to veto legislation.

Wyndham Act of 1903

• Significance: Changed land ownership in Ireland.
  • Provided favorable mortgages for Irish tenants.
  • Allowed tenants to buy land from landlords, often paying less than in rent.
  • Resolved major land grievances by 1913.
• Result: Reduced immediate demands for Home Rule outside Dublin.

Religious and Political Tensions

• Catholic Allegiance Concerns:
  • Catholics perceived as loyal to the Pope, influencing political trust.
  • Similar concerns faced by Catholic candidates in American elections (e.g., John F. Kennedy, Alfred Smith).

The Fall of Parnell

• Parnell's downfall: Due to a scandal involving a married woman.
  • Highlighted the role of the Catholic Church in politics.

Political Developments in the Early 20th Century

• Liberal Party and John Redmond:
  • Redmond's strategic support of unpopular Liberal budget.
  • Triggered government collapse and highlighted the power of the House of Lords' veto.

The Parliament Act of 1911

• Purpose: Limited the power of the House of Lords:
  • Restricted their veto to postpone acts for only two years.
  • Established modern British constitutional principles.
  • Paved the way for Home Rule legislation.

Home Rule and Political Impact

• 1912 Home Rule Bill:
  • Passed in Commons, vetoed in Lords, but could be enacted due to the Parliament Act.
• Unionist Reaction:
  • Formation of Ulster Volunteer Force and increased tensions.
  • Threat of civil war in Ireland by 1914.

Impact of World War I

• War Outbreak: Averted immediate civil war over Home Rule.
  • Redmond’s call for Irish Volunteers to join the British war effort.
  • Division within Irish Volunteers.

Aftermath and Legacy

• Post-War Sentiment:
  • 1916 Rising: Shifted focus away from Home Rule.
  • By 1918, Home Rule was largely irrelevant, overshadowed by the push for independence.