The problem of Irish Easter Uprising in the British House of Commons’ Forum

Abstract

The article analyzes issues discussed during debates on the subject of the Easter Rising in Ireland of 1916 in the British House of Commons’ Forum. In the course of debates the subject of British administration’s responsibility for the outbreak of rebellion was widely disputed. Conclusions on the subject were included in the Rapport of the Royal Commission on the Rebellion in Ireland. There were also debates concerning issue of legal responsibility of the rebels, the means of judging them, and the legal basis of their trials. Among the vital issues discussed the question about general John Maxwell’s scope of authority and the validity of the martial law introduced in Ireland were found. Way of treatment of the Irish rebels by the British army and international overtone of the events were analyzed. The subject of changing public mood after the suppression of the Rising and possible repercussions from this situation were followed by a heated discussion. The analysis of the mentioned issues was based on transcripts of House of Commons’ debates and the Rapport of the Royal Commission on the Rebellion in Ireland.