Britain, c1851–1964 – consequence in this period through the following key…

The idea

Between 1851 and 1964, Britain's relationship with Ireland transformed from direct rule under the Act of Union to the establishment of the independent Republic of Ireland and a partitioned Northern Ireland. This requires evaluating the driving forces of Irish nationalism, the impact of the 1916 Easter Rising in radicalising public opinion, and the exhaustion of British political will following the First World War. The consequences of these shifts fundamentally altered the British state.

What earns the marks

• Assess the impact of constitutional nationalism, such as Parnell and the Irish Parliamentary Party, versus militant republicanism, including the IRB and the IRA, on how the relationship changed.
• Evaluate the reasons for British resistance to Home Rule, including Conservative unionism and Ulster's organised opposition, explaining why changes were delayed.
• Analyse how the First World War and the 1916 Easter Rising acted as catalysts for changing the Anglo-Irish relationship.
• Explain the terms and consequences of the 1921 Anglo-Irish Treaty, specifically the partition of Ireland and the creation of the Irish Free State.

Common mistakes and how to put them right

• Confusing Home Rule with full independence.

  Put it right: Home Rule meant devolved government within the UK, whereas independence severed constitutional ties.

• Treating Irish nationalism as a single, unified movement.

  Put it right by distinguishing between constitutional nationalists like Redmond and militant republicans like Collins.

• Assuming the 1921 Treaty resolved all tensions.

  Put it right by acknowledging the subsequent Irish Civil War and ongoing disputes over Northern Ireland as key consequences.

Exam tips

• When discussing why the relationship changed, weigh long-term political agitation against short-term trigger events like the Easter Rising.
• Use specific legislative attempts, such as the 1886, 1893, and 1912 Home Rule Bills, to demonstrate the timeline of how British attitudes changed.
• Ensure you address both the British political context, such as Liberal-Irish alliances, and the situation on the ground in Ireland to explain why policies shifted.