Eire

Ireland’s fight for freedom in 1916 and in the following years must be seen as only the final phase of a long-continued effort. During some periods the people had the nerve for little more than persistent clamour against social injustice and unfair laws. The growth and activities of the ulster volunteers made the I.R.B. leaders anxious to establish a nationalist volunteer force which would drill in the open and parade the streets. On 4th December 1913, nine days after the formation of the Irish volunteers, a proclamation was issued from Dublin castle prohibiting the importation of military arms and ammunition into Ireland. Naturally the British government imposed a new embargo on the importation and sale of rifles and only surreptitious purchases were possible thereafter. The arrangements for the rising of 1916 were made by the military council appointed by the supreme council of the I.R.B. and were made without the knowledge of some members of the supreme council itself.