Divided Society

During the Home Rule crisis many people in Ireland were divided by their attitudes and beliefs. These attitudes and beliefs had been formed and entrenched over a long period of time.

Home Rule People

  • Mainly Catholic
  • Many tenant farmers and agricultural labourers
  • Identify with the Gaelic Language and Gaelic games
  • Believe that the Act of Union has led to a less prosperous Ireland
  • Make up about three-quarters of the population of Ireland
Learn More

Anti-Home Rule People

  • Mainly Protestant
  • Landowners, farmers, industrialists and factory workers
  • Identify with British culture and sport
  • Believe that the Act of Union has allowed industry to flourish in Ireland
  • Make up about two thirds of the population in the north of Ireland
Learn More

Extract from Philip Orr's book:

New Perspectives, p38

Extract from Philip Orr's book:

New Perspectives, p21

Work through the activities here to find out more about the divided society in Ireland between 1911 and 1914.

Postcard Activity

Get Started

Is it so simple?

Get Started
Get Started

Hopes & Fears

Get Started