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Is the term ‘wasted years’ a fair description of the period 1949-1959 in the Republic of Ireland? Give reasons for your answer. - Leaving Cert History - Question 1 - 2013
Question 1
Is the term ‘wasted years’ a fair description of the period 1949-1959 in the Republic of Ireland? Give reasons for your answer.
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Is the term ‘wasted years’ a fair description of the period 1949-1959 in the Republic of Ireland? Give reasons for your answer. - Leaving Cert History - Question 1 - 2013
Step 1
Overview of the Term ‘Wasted Years’
Answer
The term ‘wasted years’ refers to a period in Irish history characterized by political stagnation and economic challenges. To evaluate its fairness as a description for 1949 to 1959, we must explore various factors, including political governance, economic policies, and social developments during this era.
Step 2
Political Context
Answer
During the period between 1949 and 1959, Ireland experienced a series of coalition governments, which often struggled to maintain stability and continuity in governance. This political tumult contributed to public sentiment that governance was ineffective, leading to perceptions of wasted opportunities.
Step 3
Economic Challenges
Answer
The economy of Ireland during this period was marked by stagnation. High unemployment rates and slow economic growth hindered the development of effective economic policies. Government measures appeared insufficient to address these issues, fostering the belief that this era was unproductive.
Step 4
Social Developments
Answer
Despite the negative implications of ‘wasted years’, some social advancements did occur. For instance, educational reforms and improvements in literacy rates began to take shape. While this is significant, the overall impact was overshadowed by the preceding economic challenges.
Step 5
Conclusion
Answer
In conclusion, while there were indeed efforts to develop Ireland during this period, the overarching themes of political instability and economic stagnation strongly support the notion of ‘wasted years’. This term captures both the frustration of the populace and the tangible lack of progress made.