THE RISE AND IMPACT OF NATIONALISM AND UNIONISM IN IRELAND, 1911–23 The Foundation of Northern Ireland
The Government of Ireland Act (1920) partitioned Ireland and established the state of Northern Ireland. The Northern parliament controlled internal affairs like education and infrastructure, while Westminster controlled trade and foreign affairs.
1. List the similarities and differences between Home Rule and the Government of Ireland Act.
Similarities between Home Rule and the Government of Ireland Act
Differences between Home Rule and the Government of Ireland Act
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2. Why do you think unionists in Northern Ireland were willing to accept this, but were unwilling to accept Home Rule eight years earlier?
Think about: ● ● The structure of Ireland under the Government of Ireland Act.
●● The economic concerns of unionists. ●● Fear of ‘Home Rule is Rome Rule’.
3. Was the partition of Ireland a good idea? Explain your answer with reference to what you have learned in this chapter and the current situation of Ireland today.