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What attempts were made to gain Home Rule, 1870-1886, and why were those attempts unsuccessful? - Leaving Cert History - Question 1 - 2011
Question 1
What attempts were made to gain Home Rule, 1870-1886, and why were those attempts unsuccessful?
Worked Solution & Example Answer:What attempts were made to gain Home Rule, 1870-1886, and why were those attempts unsuccessful? - Leaving Cert History - Question 1 - 2011
Step 1
What attempts were made to gain Home Rule, 1870-1886?
Answer
Between 1870 and 1886, several significant attempts were made to gain Home Rule for Ireland. The first notable effort was the introduction of the first Home Rule Bill in 1870 by Isaac Butt, which aimed to establish a parliament in Dublin. Although initially garnering some support, it ultimately failed to pass due to opposition from the British government and lack of adequate backing.
Following this, the Home Rule movement gained momentum under the leadership of Charles Stewart Parnell. The second Home Rule Bill, introduced in 1886, had more substantial support, yet it faced fierce opposition from the Unionist factions in Ireland and Britain, particularly due to fears of 'Rome Rule' and the loss of British governance over Ireland. Despite Parnell's efforts to unify various factions of Irish nationalism, internal divisions weakened the movement, leading to its failure in Parliament.
Step 2
and why were those attempts unsuccessful?
Answer
The attempts for Home Rule between 1870 and 1886 were unsuccessful for several reasons. Firstly, there was significant resistance from the Conservative and Liberal Unionists who argued that Home Rule would lead to chaos and diminish British influence in Ireland. The fears of nationalists aligning with the Catholic Church fueled anti-Home Rule sentiments among Protestants, particularly in Ulster.
Additionally, political disunity within the Irish nationalist movement hindered progress. Divisions arose over strategy and leadership, particularly after Parnell fell from grace due to personal scandals. Moreover, the British political landscape shifted, and with the rise of the Conservative Party under Lord Salisbury, the prospect of Home Rule faced an increasingly hostile environment. The collective impact of these factors ultimately led to the failure of the Home Rule Bill in Parliament.