In 1916, an unofficial military force was established, aimed at gaining independence, and unity, among all thirty-two counties on the island of Ireland. This organization was called the Irish Republican Army. Their belief was that Britain had stolen both their land and their rights. The IRA took it upon themselves as both their right, and their duty to fight for their independence. The IRA has used violence, political reform, and treaties to obtain some of their goals. But their was still a lot to be accomplished. The IRA believed unity and independence was within their grasp, but they had to remain patient. Through violence, political reform, and treaties, the Irish Republican Army must continue to fight for what is rightfully theirs.
The Irish Republican Army began to revolt against Britain in 1916. The "Easter Rising" was the defining moment in Irish republicanism. The IRA leaders created the "Proclamation of the Republic". It declared an independent republic, and pledged republicans to "Equal rights and equal opportunities" (1). This document sparked small demonstrations of violence. The "Easter Rising" was crushed after a week. Sixteen of its leaders were executed by the British Government (2).
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