Before the Dáil 1800-1919

1840s 1845- 1870s- 1800 1829 1849 1867 1890s

Act of Union Catholic emancipation Repeal of the Rising Home Rule movement The Act created the The Roman Catholic Relief Act Union movement Following failed The Home Rule League MPs United Kingdom of permitted Roman Catholics Daniel O’Connell republican uprisings used obstruction to press their Great Britain and Ireland to sit in the Parliament at established the in 1803 and 1848, case in the House of Commons and abolished the Irish Westminster. The campaign Loyal National Repeal the Irish Republican and won enough seats to hold Parliament. From 1801, for emancipation was led by Association. Brotherhood (IRB), also the balance of power. A Home Irish MPs and peers would Daniel O’Connell, who had won He hoped 1843 would see known as the , Rule Bill was introduced in 1886 attend the Parliament at a seat in 1828 but had not been the re-opening of the Irish Great Famine staged a new rising in but was defeated in the House of Westminster. allowed to enter the Parliament. Parliament but the British The Famine left 1 million dead and started an effort to end British Commons. A second Bill in 1893 Government remained a pattern of emigration that would see rule in Ireland. While it, was passed by the Commons but committed to defending Ireland’s population halved. It was a too, failed, the IRB remained in existence, and defeated in the House of Lords. the union. defining moment for Irish nationalists, continued to organise and agitate in Ireland who blamed the Westminster Parliament and America in support of its goal. for failing to respond to the crisis.

Apr Sep Jul 1880s- 1916 1914 1914 1890s

Easter Rising Home Rule Act First World Gaelic revival Irish republicans occupied buildings This Act granted Home War begins Interest in Gaelic around and proclaimed Ireland Rule to Ireland, but it was culture – language, an independent state. After six days they Nationalist and Unionist leaders suspended for the duration sports and folklore – surrendered. The British authorities quickly initially supported the war and of the war and then was revived. The Gaelic tried and executed the leaders, arrested urged their followers to enlist. repealed without coming League and Gaelic thousands and imposed martial law. Support More than 200,000 Irishmen into effect. Athletic Association for an , as opposed to Home fought in the war. were established, and Rule, increased. distinguishing Irish culture from English became part of the nationalist movement.

Feb Apr Nov Dec 1918 1918 1918 1918 1919

Representation Conscription in Ireland First World General Election of the People Act Desperate for troops, the British War ends Sinn Féin pledged to abstain from The Act gave the vote to Government decided to introduce The war ended with the Westminster, establish a constituent some women but also to conscription in Ireland, despite the armistice on 11 November. assembly in Ireland and appeal for all men aged at least 21 protests of the Irish MPs. A mass Given that the Parliament international recognition of the regardless of property. The movement against conscription had been sitting since 1910, Republic. The Irish Party sought Irish electorate increased united public opinion in Ireland a date was quickly set for a support for its campaign for domestic from 700,000 to 2 million. against the British Empire. general election. self-government. Sinn Féin won 73 seats and the IP only 6. The remaining 26 seats were won by Unionists. © IWM (Q 41925) First Dáil For more information see www.dail100.ie The first public sitting of Dáil Éireann Houses of the , House, , Dublin 2. D02 XR20 took place in the Round Room of the Tel: +353 (0)1 6183000 or 076 1001700 Twitter: @OireachtasNews #dáil100 Mansion House on 21 January 1919. Images courtesy of: Cornell University – PJ Mode Collection of Persuasive Cartography; Dublin City Library & Archive; National Library of Ireland; The New York Public Library. Connect with us