Abstract
Methodology: I have partly based my researches on an on-line exhibition of the National library of Ireland and on the BBC web site, which provides very interesting material. I thus hope that the perspective of the document, will not be biased (the National library material comes mainly from nationalist sources, but they tried to be as neutral as possible in their comments).
Introduction:
Previous risings in Ireland: On Easter 1916, hundreds of Irish Volunteers and members of the citizen army assembled at liberty hall, Dublin, and then marched over different places in the city. This was the beginning of the Dublin 1916 rising, which was to remain in Irish history as one of the most important steps of Irish path to independence. This was however a failure, as were many previous attempts. Some of the other notable events were: Theobald Wolfe Tone and the United Irishmen in 1798, Robert Emmet in 1803, The Young Irelanders in 1848 and the Fenians in 1865-67. Each of them plotted or rose up in rebellion. None of them was successful however, as they stood against a powerful empire whose military resources were not to be defeated. What could have made the difference in 1916, and make the leaders of the insurrection successful? It is necessary to understand the political and cultural background, as well as the views and interests of the actors involved.
