Why did the Rising fail? Which of these reasons, do you think, was the most important in explaining the military failure of the Rising?
Irish Volunteers outnumbered
The capture of the Aud
British army had greater fire power
Bad tactics of the Volunteers
Rising largely confined to Dublin
Irish Volunteers failed to get the
support of the people
What serious mistake did the British government make? The British government made a serious political mistake in executing the leaders of the Rising and in rounding up so many people who had nothing to do with the Rising. Irish public opinion began to favour the Rising. This, along with later events, (see The Rise of Sinn Féin, p. 242) resulted in those who were involved in the Rising becoming more popular and eventually leading the main political organisation in Ireland in 1918.
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The results of the Rising p. 133 ❱
DEATHS • 500 people killed including… • 130 British army and Royal Irish Constabulary (RIC) • 64 Volunteers • 300 civilians • About 2,500 injured
RISE OF SINN FÉIN • Sinn Féin were not involved in the Rising, but newspapers called it the ‘Sinn Féin Rising’
DESTRUCTION IN DUBLIN • The equivalent of €3.8 million worth of damage was done
MILITARY IN CONTROL • Martial law (military law) imposed • 170 people tried • 2,000 people interned (imprisoned without trial)
PEOPLE’S REACTION • Anger over food shortages and destruction • People supported Home Rule party and sent soldiers to the war • Home Rule in danger
EXECUTIONS • 15 executed in Kilmainham Gaol, including seven signatories of the Proclamation
CHANGING REACTIONS • Executions and internments began to change people’s minds in favour of the Rising.
