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How did the Home Rule movement develop under Butt and Parnell during the period 1870-1886? - Leaving Cert History - Question 1 - 2017
Question 1
How did the Home Rule movement develop under Butt and Parnell during the period 1870-1886?
Worked Solution & Example Answer:How did the Home Rule movement develop under Butt and Parnell during the period 1870-1886? - Leaving Cert History - Question 1 - 2017
Step 1
Development of the Home Rule Movement under Butt
Answer
The Home Rule movement began to gain momentum under the leadership of Isaac Butt, who played a crucial role in advocating for Irish self-governance. Butt's approach focused on peaceful negotiation and constitutional methods to achieve Home Rule. He established the Home Government Association in 1870, which sought to build support for the cause. Butt believed in a gradual process and aimed to garner respectability for the movement, highlighting the need for an Irish parliament to address local issues.
Despite his efforts, Butt faced challenges such as the lack of a mass following and the growing impatience among Irish nationalists. His leadership marked the initial phase of the movement, which set the stage for further developments.
Step 2
Transition to Parnell's Leadership
Answer
Charles Stewart Parnell emerged as a key figure in the Home Rule movement after Butt's initial attempts. Parnell's leadership brought a new dynamic to the movement, as he adopted a more confrontational approach combined with strong organizational skills. He reinvigorated the Irish Parliamentary Party and utilized effective strategies such as the ‘Irish Party’ tactics, which included forming alliances with other nationalist groups and leveraging political negotiations.
Under Parnell, the movement gained significant traction, culminating in the introduction of various Home Rule bills to Parliament. His insistence on an Irish voice in Westminster and his ability to unify various factions within Irish nationalism positioned the Home Rule issue as a central topic in British politics.
Step 3
Significance of Key Events and Strategies
Answer
The period saw several important events that fueled the Home Rule movement. The introduction of the Home Rule Bill in 1886 was particularly significant; although it failed to pass, it demonstrated the growing demand for Irish self-governance. Parnell's ability to rally public support and negotiate with key political figures highlighted the movement’s increasing popularity.
Furthermore, Parnell’s strategic use of the land war and the promotion of agrarian reform aligned the movement with broader social issues, solidifying its appeal across different strata of Irish society.