Question Preparation

A wise man once said, 'fail to prepare, prepare to fail', and if you want to be truly ready for any exam obstacle, studying and reading key questions is an absolute must. Below are some commonly asked questions at both HL and OL that will not only improve your study, but will give you some more additional context through which you can impress your examiner by skyrocketing that OE!

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1. Briefly explain two obstacles to the rise of socialism in Ireland.

• One obstacle to the rise of socialism in Ireland was the dominance of the Catholic Church, which opposed socialism due to its perceived threat to traditional religious and social values.
• The Church had significant influence over the population and often condemned socialist ideas as "godless" and anti-clerical.
• Another obstacle was Ireland's predominantly rural economy, where most of the population were tenant farmers rather than industrial workers.
• Socialism, which focused on the plight of urban industrial workers, did not resonate as strongly with the rural population, making it difficult to gain widespread support.

2. What were the aims of trade unions?

• Trade unions aimed to improve workers' working conditions, wages, and rights. Their primary goals included securing better pay, reducing working hours, and ensuring safer and healthier working environments.
• They also sought to provide legal support and representation for workers facing disputes with employers.
• Trade unions aimed to unify workers to strengthen their bargaining power, enabling them to negotiate collectively for better terms.
• Additionally, they advocated for broader social and economic reforms, such as social security benefits, pensions, and workers' rights legislation, to improve the working class's overall quality of life.

3. Explain the difference between skilled and unskilled workers.

• Skilled workers possess specialised training, education, or experience that qualifies them for specific jobs requiring particular expertise.
• Examples include carpenters, electricians, and machinists. Due to their specialised skills, these workers typically earn higher wages and have greater job security.
• In contrast, unskilled workers perform tasks that do not require special training or education, such as labourers in construction, manufacturing, or service industries.
• They generally receive lower wages and less job security. The distinction between skilled and unskilled workers often impacts their representation by trade unions and their ability to negotiate better working conditions.

Middle Level Questions

1. Write a paragraph on housing conditions in Dublin in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.

• Housing conditions in Dublin were deplorable in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, particularly for the working class.
• Many families lived in overcrowded tenements near the city centre. These tenements, often consisting of multiple families sharing a single room, were poorly maintained and lacked basic amenities.
• By 1914, over 20,000 families lived in one-room tenements, accounting for one-third of Dublin's population.
• The tenement buildings were unsanitary and unsafe, leading to severe health problems among residents.
• A government report in 1914 highlighted that 1,500 of Dublin's 5,000 tenements were unfit for human habitation.
• High rents and the constant threat of eviction added to the daily struggles of the working class, perpetuating a cycle of poverty and poor health.

2. Write a paragraph on James Connolly.

• James Connolly was a prominent socialist leader, trade unionist, and revolutionary in early twentieth-century Ireland.
• Born in 1868 in Edinburgh to Irish parents, Connolly's commitment to workers' rights and socialism was evident from a young age.
• He co-founded the Irish Socialist Republican Party (ISRP) in 1896, aiming to integrate the fight for Irish independence with the struggle for social justice.
• Connolly's influence extended beyond Ireland during his time in the United States, where he became involved with the Socialist Labor Party and the Industrial Workers of the World.
• Returning to Ireland in 1910, Connolly played a pivotal role in the 1913 Dublin Lockout, organising workers and advocating for their rights.
• He co-founded the Irish Citizen Army (ICA) in 1913 to protect workers from police brutality. Connolly's dedication to both socialism and nationalism culminated in his participation in the Easter Rising of 1916, after which he was executed, solidifying his status as a martyr for both causes.

3. Write a paragraph on James Larkin.

• James Larkin, also known as "Big Jim," was a key figure in the Irish labour movement and a champion of workers' rights in the early twentieth century.
• Born in Liverpool in 1874 to Irish parents, Larkin moved to Ireland in 1907 and became a prominent labour organiser.
• In 1909, he founded the Irish Transport and General Workers' Union (ITGWU), aiming to unite all workers, regardless of skill, into one powerful union.
• Larkin's leadership was instrumental during the 1913 Dublin Lockout, during which he organized strikes and rallies demanding better working conditions and wages for Dublin's workers.
• His charismatic oratory and ability to mobilise large crowds made him a formidable leader during this significant labour conflict.
• Despite facing opposition from employers and the government, Larkin's efforts laid the groundwork for future labour movements in Ireland.
• His commitment to social justice and workers' rights continued throughout his life, including his involvement in the American labour movement in the United States.

Essay Style Question Prep - Outline the difficulties facing the development of a labour movement in Ireland, 1870-1914.

• Economic Structure
  • Predominantly rural economy with a large tenant farming population.
  • Limited industrial base compared to Britain, making it harder to organize workers.
  • Seasonal and casual employment are prevalent, reducing stable union membership.
• Opposition from Employers and Authorities
  • Employers' strong resistance to unionization efforts exemplified by the 1913 Dublin Lockout.
  • Use of police and legal measures to suppress strikes and intimidate workers.
  • Lockouts and blacklisting of union members making it difficult for them to find work.
• Influence of the Catholic Church
  • The Church's significant influence over the population often opposed socialist and union activities.
  • Church leaders viewed socialism as a threat to traditional social order and values.
  • Encouraged workers to seek improvements through non-confrontational means.
• Internal Divisions within the Labour Movement
  • Differing ideologies and strategies among labour leaders, such as James Larkin and the TUC.
  • Conflicts between skilled and unskilled workers over union representation.
  • Limited coordination and resources to sustain prolonged strikes and labour actions.

Essay Style Q Prep - How did conditions in Dublin influence the development of trade unions?

• Poor Housing Conditions
  • Overcrowded and unsanitary tenements in Dublin's inner city.
  • High rents and frequent evictions leading to severe economic insecurity.
  • Poor health conditions among workers due to inadequate living conditions.
• Harsh Working Conditions
  • Long working hours and low wages for both skilled and unskilled workers.
  • Lack of job security and protection against arbitrary dismissal.
  • Hazardous and unsafe working environments in factories and docks.
• Influence of Key Figures
  • Leadership of James Larkin in founding the ITGWU and organizing workers.
  • James Connolly's role in advocating for workers' rights and linking labour struggles with national independence.
  • Support from sympathetic figures like Countess Markievicz during the 1913 Lockout.
• Community Solidarity and Activism
  • Strong sense of community among Dublin's working class, fostering collective action.
  • Establishment of organisations like the Irish Citizen Army to protect workers.
  • The role of Liberty Hall as a central hub for union activities and support during strikes.

Essay Question Plan - How effective were the actions of trade unions in achieving their aims in the late 19th and early 20th centuries?

Introduction

• Discuss your thesis statement, highlighting that several key actions from trade unions allowed them to achieve their aims from the 1890s to the 1910s

Successful Actions and Achievements

• Discuss significant victories, such as wage increases and better working conditions.
• The role of key strikes, like the 1913 Dublin Lockout, in raising awareness and support.
• Legislative changes influenced by union pressure.
• Challenges and Limitations
  • Opposition from employers and authorities, including police repression and legal obstacles.
  • Internal divisions within the labour movement affect coordination and strategy.
  • Economic constraints and the limited industrial base in Ireland.
• Long-term Impact and Legacy
  • The establishment of strong trade unions like the ITGWU.
  • Influence on future labour movements and social reforms.
  • Overall assessment of the trade unions' effectiveness in achieving their aims.

Discuss the role of James Connolly in the Irish labour movement.

• Early Involvement and Ideology
  • Founding of the Irish Socialist Republican Party (ISRP) and its goals.
  • Connolly's work in the United States with the Socialist Labor Party and Industrial Workers of the World.
  • His writings and speeches advocating for socialism and workers' rights.
• Role in the 1913 Dublin Lockout
  • Leadership in organizing and supporting the strike.
  • Formation of the Irish Citizen Army to protect workers.
  • Connolly's strategic and ideological contributions to the labour struggle.
• Connolly's Legacy and Impact
  • His role in the Easter Rising and its significance for the labour movement.
  • Long-term influence on Irish socialism and trade unionism.
  • Assessment of Connolly's contributions and lasting legacy in Irish labour history.

Evaluate the impact of the 1913 Dublin Lockout on the labour movement in Ireland.

• Immediate Effects on Workers and Unions
  • Hardships faced by workers and their families during the lockout.
  • The role of the ITGWU and other unions in sustaining the strike.
  • Support from British unions and international solidarity.
• Long-term Consequences for Labor Relations
  • Changes in employer-employee dynamics post-lockout.
  • Influence on future labour legislation and workers' rights.
  • Strengthening of union organization and strategy.
• Symbolic and Ideological Impact
  • The lockout was a symbol of workers' resistance and solidarity.
  • Influence on the broader social and political landscape in Ireland.
  • Legacy of key figures like James Larkin and James Connolly in the labour movement.