Irish Easter Rebellion

On 24 April 1916, immediately after Easter, an Irish Republican rebellion against British rule – supported by German-supplied weapons – breaks out in Dublin. The rebels occupy the main post office as well as other strategically important locations in the city.

Source: Schaum/Holzappel The General Post Office in Dublin during the Eastern Rebellion 1916

The „Irish Republican Brotherhood“ and the „Irish Republican Army“ proclaim Ireland’s independence. By afternoon of the following day the British counterattack begins. Martial law is imposed over all of Ireland. Bitter street fighting erupts, in the course of which ca. 440 British soldiers and an unknown number of Irish are killed. By the end of April the rebellion collapses. Court martialled and condemned to death,15 Irish leaders are executed by firing squad. Although the „Easter Rebellion“ is successfully suppressed, for the Irish it remains a symbol of independence from England which will finally be realized in 1921.