Irish Republican Brotherhood

Quick Facts: Who was Irish Republican Brotherhood?

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Irish Republican Brotherhood

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Secret oath-bound organization dedicated to establishing an independent democratic republic in Ireland.

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2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

The Irish Republican Brotherhood (IRB; Irish: Bráithreachas Phoblacht na hÉireann) was a secret oath-bound fraternal organisation dedicated to the establishment of an "independent democratic republic" in Ireland between 1858 and 1924. Its counterpart in the United States of America and Canada was initially the Fenian Brotherhood, but from the 1870s it was Clan na Gael. The members of both wings of the movement are often referred to as "Fenians". The IRB played an important role in the history of Ireland, as the chief advocate of republicanism during the campaign for Ireland's independence from the United Kingdom, successor to movements such as the United Irishmen of the 1790s and the Young Irelanders of the 1840s. As part of the New Departure of the 1870s–80s, IRB members attempted to democratise the Home Rule League and its successor, the Irish Parliamentary Party, as well as taking part in the Land War.

Career & Major Achievements

The IRB staged the Easter Rising in 1916, which led to the establishment of the first Dáil Éireann in 1919. The suppression of Dáil Éireann precipitated the Irish War of Independence and the signing of the Anglo-Irish Treaty in 1921, ultimately leading to the establishment of the Irish Free State, which excluded the territory of Northern Ireland. In 1798 the United Irishmen, which had initially been an open political organisation, but which was later suppressed by the British establishment in Ireland and so became a secret revolutionary organisation, rose in rebellion, seeking an end to British rule in Ireland and the establishment of an Irish Republic. The rebellion was suppressed, but the principles of the United Irishmen were to have a powerful influence on the course of Irish history. Following the collapse of the rebellion, the British prime minister William Pitt introduced a bill to abolish the Irish parliament and manufactured a Union between Ireland and Britain.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

Opposition from the Protestant oligarchy that controlled the parliament was countered by the widespread and open use of bribery. The Act of Union was passed, and became law on 1 January 1801. The Catholics, who had been excluded from the Irish parliament, were promised emancipation under the Union. This promise was never kept, and caused a protracted and bitter struggle for civil liberties. It was not until 1829 that the British government reluctantly conceded Catholic emancipation.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1798: 1798 Milestone — In 1798 the United Irishmen, which had initially been an open political organisation, but which was later suppressed by the British establishment in Ireland and so became a secret revolutionary organisation, rose in rebellion, seeking an end to British rule in Ireland and the establishment of an Irish Republic.
2. 1801: 1801 Milestone — The Act of Union was passed, and became law on 1 January 1801.
3. 1829: 1829 Milestone — It was not until 1829 that the British government reluctantly conceded Catholic emancipation.
4. 1858: 1858 Milestone — The Irish Republican Brotherhood (IRB; Irish: Bráithreachas Phoblacht na hÉireann) was a secret oath-bound fraternal organisation dedicated to the establishment of an "independent democratic republic" in Ireland between 1858 and 1924.
5. 1916: 1916 Milestone — The IRB staged the Easter Rising in 1916, which led to the establishment of the first Dáil Éireann in 1919.
6. 1921: 1921 Milestone — The suppression of Dáil Éireann precipitated the Irish War of Independence and the signing of the Anglo-Irish Treaty in 1921, ultimately leading to the establishment of the Irish Free State, which excluded the territory of Northern Ireland.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Irish Republican Brotherhood

True or False: “The Irish Republican Brotherhood was the direct successor to the United Irishmen movement of 1798.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): While influenced by them, the IRB emerged later as a distinct organization following the failures of earlier movements like Young Ireland.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Irish Republican Brotherhood