Easter Rising: When Ireland Erupted

Also known as the Easter Rebellion, this armed insurrection was launched by Irish republicans against British rule, in attempt of establishing an independent Irish Republic. Here's what happened.

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[eunanmcgoldrick]

Hey Simon, I'm irish and the scars of this event are still deeply felt in my country and this is the best retelling of the rising I've seen by a non Irish source

[RRHardyHar]

Finally! You don't know how long I've been waiting for a quality video about the Easter Rising. I hope there are plans to cover the Irish War of Independence, the Civil War, and the ensuing Troubles. Keep up the great work!

[playstationable]

It's amazing how this video literally covers an entire secondary schools term worth of History in 25 minutes. Nice job

[The_Republic_of_Ireland]

Simon...God bless you. All we need now is the War of Independence and Civil War and we'll have the full Irish trilogy

[Paulco]

As a Dublin man, I say you did a really good job! You could have shown photos of Kilmainham Jail as it’s the birthplace of the the road to freedom. You neglected to mention that Micheal Collins fought in the rebellion and went on to lead the War of Independence that removed the Union Jack from Dublin.
The rebels of 1916 knew they would lose and die but hoped they would inspire a bigger response from the Irish. How right they

[ignitionfrn]

1:25 - Chapter 1 - Polite, meaningless words
5:55 - Chapter 2 - A shadow of cloud
9:40 - Chapter 3 - Hearts with one purpose alone
13:25 - Chapter 4 - A terrible beauty is born
17:10 - Chapter 5 - Too long a sacrifice
20:20 - Chapter 6 - Was it needless death after all ?

[hectorsmommy]

I had a college history professor who taught a class on Ireland, focusing on the history and how everything led up to "The Troubles". He was from Dublin and was a great lecturer (the fact that he had that accent and was also a professional storyteller helped). He spent about 3 hours on the Easter Rising and it was very informative. Simon's 25 minutes was just as informative. I have always found the subject fascinating, partially because I am descended from native Irish, Ulster Scots, and Anglo Irish. My family were on all sides of the conflicts.

[laughingowl]

"The trouble was the vast majority of Irish found this merger about as appealing as a personal lap dance by King George himself." Love the quips. Keep them coming.

[michaelsinger]

The British managed to grasp defeat from the jaws of victory with how they bungled the aftermath.

They turned failed rebels into martyrs.

[nathanrood]

Well you did that one justice Simon..
Brought me to tears thinking about my ancestors and how lucky we are to live in this modern era. God bless.

[ethanramos]

“If you strike us down now we shall rise again and renew the fight. You cannot conquer Ireland: you cannot extinguish the Irish passion for freedom. If our deed has not been sufficient to win freedom then our children will win it by a better deed”
Padrig Pearce

“I and my fellow signatories believe we have struck the first successful blow for Irish Freedom. The next blow, which we have no doubt Ireland will strike, will win through. In this belief, we die happy”
Tom Clarke

“We bleed that the nation may live. I die that the nation may live. Damn your concession England, we want our country”
Sean Mac Diarmada

“I leave for the guidance of other revolutionaries, who may tread the path which I have trod, this advice; never treat with the enemy, never surrender to his mercy, but to finish the fight”
Eamonn Ceannt

“The fierce pulsation of resurgent pride that disclaimed servitude may one day cease to throb in the Ireland - but the heart of Ireland will that day be dead. While Ireland lives, the brain and the brawn of her manhood will strive to destroy the vestige of British rule in her territory”
Thomas Macdonagh

“The Irish Republic must be made a word to conjure with - a rallying point for the disaffected, a haven for the oppressed, a point of departure for the socialist, enthusiastic in the cause for human freedom”
James Connolly

“I see his blood upon the rose
And in the stars the glory of his eyes
His body gleams amid enteral snows
His tears fall from the skies”
Joseph Mary Plunkett

[dannymaguire]

The Easter Rising wasn't only a defining moment in Irish History, but would be a spark that would light fires across the fight against the British Empire.

[canaan]

A small group of Irish: had the balls to revolt
British: crushed revolution and then punished all of Ireland for the atempted Revolution
Rest of Ireland: eventually gets pissed off and has a second much more successful revolution.

[cillianwebster]

Hey Simon and Co. love this video, especially in regards to giving it the 'Whistler' (and writers) Treatment' in terms of casual, engaging, and detailed narritive. Would really look forward to seeing a video on the 'Northern Irish Troubles', especially since it regards to the history and politics of the Island of Ireland.

[skylarmccune]

My mom has always been fascinated with Ireland’s struggle for independence. I’m sharing this video with her.

[darraghkane]

Another great video! I think it’s important to note when discussing the amount of Irish people in the British Army the level of poverty in Ireland and the massive lockout in Dublin 3 years prior to the rising. It was reported that Ireland had the highest infant mortality rate in Europe at the time. The majority of these people like so many under imperialism joined out of desperation.

[BradleyVanTreese]

I love Simon’s delivery. It’s just the right mix of dry wit and impact. Nicely done!

[jheck]

"Twas better to die 'neath an Irish sky than at Suvla or Sud-El-Bar"

[freddieellis]

Been to the GPO building on O’Connell Street. It’s still bears the bullet scars!

[tommyatkins]

As a young soldier posted to Northern Ireland I wasnt disappointed in the hatred aimed at us. However as I have matured and learned more on the Crowns 100s of years of interfering in Ireland Im understand why, we were the enemy. Beautiful country and great people (when youre not a British soldier anymore lol)