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Select one of the people described below - Junior Cycle History - Question B - 2018
Question B
Select one of the people described below. Write about that person. (i) A unionist living in Ulster who opposed Home Rule in the early twentieth century. (ii) A mem... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Select one of the people described below - Junior Cycle History - Question B - 2018
Step 1
A unionist living in Ulster who opposed Home Rule in the early twentieth century.
Answer
To discuss a unionist living in Ulster who opposed Home Rule in the early twentieth century, we first need to understand the context of Home Rule debates during this time. The Government of Ireland Act, 1920, was a significant event in Irish history that aimed to grant autonomy to Ireland but faced staunch opposition from unionists in the north, particularly those in Ulster.
Events Leading Up to Opposition
Unionists held a perception that Home Rule would lead to the domination of Irish nationalists, which they feared would undermine their rights and status in a predominantly Protestant region. This fear was mostly fueled by historical grievances dating back to the conflicts in Ireland. The decision to oppose Home Rule was rooted in a strong desire to remain part of the United Kingdom.
Reasons for Opposition
Unionists articulated several key reasons for their opposition. These included:
- Cultural Identity: Unionists in Ulster identified primarily as British, with a distinct culture and heritage that they felt would be threatened by a nationalist government.
- Economic Concerns: There were fears that a nationalist government would prioritize the interests of nationalist areas, potentially harming the economic prosperity of unionist regions.
- Political Representation: Unionists believed that they would be underrepresented or marginalized in a Home Rule government, leading to an imbalance of power.
Historical Context
A valid account may include events such as the formation of the Ulster Volunteers in 1913, who pledged to resist Home Rule militarily, and how this culminated in the partition of Ireland in 1921.
Conclusion
In summary, the unionist opposition to Home Rule in Ulster was driven by a combination of political, cultural, and economic factors, illustrating the complex identity politics of early twentieth-century Ireland.
Step 2
A member of the Nazi party explaining how Hitler came to power.
Answer
To explain how Adolf Hitler rose to power from the perspective of a member of the Nazi Party, it’s essential to look at the events leading up to 1934, when Hitler became Chancellor.
Background Factors
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Post-World War I Conditions: The Treaty of Versailles placed significant economic and territorial restrictions on Germany, leading to widespread discontent. The economic turmoil and humiliation provided fertile ground for extreme ideologies.
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Nazi Party Strategies: The Nazi Party employed effective propaganda techniques, emphasizing nationalism and the promise of restoring Germany’s former glory. They capitalized on the fears of communism and economic instability.
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Political Maneuvering: The Nazis gained significant political traction through smart alliances. By strategically positioning themselves in regional elections and leveraging the 1932 elections, they became the largest party in the Reichstag.
Key Events
- Appointment as Chancellor: In January 1933, Hitler was appointed Chancellor under a coalition government, largely due to political backroom deals.
- Consolidation of Power: Following the Reichstag fire in February 1933, the Nazi Party pushed through the Reichstag Fire Decree, which suspended civil liberties and allowed for the arrest of political opponents.
- Enabling Act: In March 1933, the Enabling Act was passed, granting Hitler the power to enact laws without the Reichstag’s consent, effectively laying the groundwork for a dictatorship.
Conclusion
In summary, Hitler's ascent to power was marked by the exploitation of societal discontent, effective use of political tactics, and the systematic dismantling of democratic institutions.
Step 3
An old woman describing changes in the role of women since 1945.
Answer
To describe the changes in the role of women in Ireland since 1945 from the perspective of an old woman, several key aspects should be considered:
Social Changes
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Access to Education: Women gradually gained access to higher education, which significantly opened up opportunities in various professions and led to increased literacy rates among women.
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Employment Equality: The introduction of the Employment Equality Act sought to eliminate discrimination and improve women’s participation in the workforce, allowing them to pursue careers that were traditionally male-dominated.
Political Changes
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Involvement in Politics: Post-1945, women began to take active roles in politics, with more female candidates emerging in local and national elections, gradually influencing policy and governance.
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Reproductive Rights: Legislative changes regarding contraception as well as access to healthcare services in the latter part of the 20th century marked significant strides in women's autonomy over their bodies.
Impact of Changes
These transformations led to shifts in family dynamics, social structures, and economic contributions by women. Women emerged as integral contributors to society, both in domestic roles and in the workforce, demonstrating increased independence.
Conclusion
In summary, the role of women in Ireland has evolved dramatically since 1945. From pursuing education and careers to participating in politics, these changes reflect broader social evolutions that have redefined the status of women in society.