Easter Rising
1916 · Dublin · World · Modern
The rebels held out for six days before surrendering, and more than a dozen leaders were sentenced to death by court-martial
Belligerents
Irish Volunteers and Citizen Army
- Commanders
- Patrick Pearse, James Connolly
- Strength
- About 1,200–1,600
British army and police
- Commanders
- Maxwell
- Strength
- Gradually rising to c. 16,000 men
Background
During World War I, the Irish Home Rule bill was put on hold. A secret republican organization decided to launch an uprising while the United Kingdom was at war.
Course of the battle
- Reading the ProclamationOn Easter Monday, April 24, 1916, Pearse read the Proclamation of the Irish Republic in front of the General Post Office
- Seizing key pointsThe rebels seized strongpoints such as the General Post Office, the Four Courts, and buildings near City Hall
- Shelling the city centerThe British brought in reinforcements and a gunboat and heavily shelled the city center
- Surrender and executionsThe rebels surrendered on April 29; in May fourteen leaders were executed in Dublin, and public opinion shifted
Outcome at a glance
| Date | 1916 |
|---|---|
| Place | Dublin |
| Result | The rebels held out for six days before surrendering, and more than a dozen leaders were sentenced to death by court-martial |
| Winner | United Kingdom |
| Casualties | About 485 killed, more than half of them civilians |
| Territorial change | The uprising failed, but public opinion swung toward independence |
Impact
The Easter Rising failed militarily, but the execution of its leaders stirred public sympathy; two years later Sinn Féin won a landslide in the general election, and Ireland set out on the road to independence.
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