ABSTRACT
After boyhood and schooling in rural Ireland Michael Collins starts work in London, taking a financial administrative post in the British civil service. From there he moves to various financial posts in financial institutions. In his spare time he joins and participates in London–Irish cultural and national societies, including joining a branch of the secret society, the Irish Republican Brotherhood (IRB) and the National Volunteers, and waits patiently – and at times impatiently – for the forthcoming struggle with the British. Meanwhile Ireland, despite the Ulstermen forming and arming their own paramilitary unionist organisation, the Ulster Volunteers, and despite the rest of Ireland countering by forming and arming their own, the nationalist organisation the National Volunteers, and despite the long-awaited Home Rule Bill being passed, but then declared postponed pending the end of the First World War, Ireland remains hopeful, and looking to the political path of Home Rule. In 1916, a group of extreme nationalists attempt a small bungled Rising, mainly in Dublin, which is crushed by British forces. Most of Ireland is hostile to the Rising, but opinion also becomes hostile against the British executing the leaders who eventually will acquire a patriotic sanctity. Collins, who took part in the Rising, is imprisoned.
