Sinn Féin rose in popularity over the next two years. ● Éamon de Valera took over from Arthur Griffith as President of Sinn Féin. He was also President of the Irish Volunteers.
● Sinn Féin won by-elections in 1917 and 1918. ● The British Government tried to introduce conscription (compulsory military service) to Ireland in 1918. Sinn Féin gained popularity by leading a victorious anti-conscription campaign with meetings, marches and signing a petition outside Catholic churches on a Sunday.
● The British Government also arrested some of the leaders of Sinn Féin for plotting with Germany. They had no evidence, but the so-called German Plot also increased the popularity of Sinn Féin.
● Sinn Féin campaigned in the 1918 general election for a republic with complete independence from Britain. They won 73 out of 105 seats in Ireland.
● They followed a policy of abstentionism (they would form their own parliament in Dublin rather than going to Westminster).
Assessing Your Learning
1. All of the following are reasons why the 1916 Rising failed except
(i) the Irish Volunteers were outnumbered (ii) the British Army could use artillery or (iii) the Rising was supported by most nationalists?
2. What serious political mistakes were made by the British Government in its handling of the 1916 Rising?
3. The number of people killed during the Rising was about (i) 389 (ii) 500 or (iii) 750?
4. The first reaction of the people of Dublin to the Rising was (i) anger (ii) pride or (iii) encouragement?
5. The number of leaders executed after the Rising was (i) 11 (ii) 15 or (iii) 16?
6. People’s opinions about the Rising changed because (i) the British Government did not arrest more people (ii) of executions and arrests or (iii) the British Army was winning World War I?
7. Which of the following are reasons why Sinn Féin rose in popularity (i) the anti- conscription campaign (ii) the British Army won World War I (iii) the German Plot?
252 1916 Easter Rising and
execution of leaders Battle of the Somme
1918
Conscription for Ireland German Plot
End of World War I General election victory for Sinn Féin
Sinn Féin grew in popularity Sinn Féin changed aims
1917
Home Rule Party Sinn Féin Unionists
1910 and 1918 general election results 1910 73 0
19
73 23
1918 6
See Chapter 15 in the Skills Book for further questions.