The Irish rebellion of 1916 : or, the unbroken tradition

The book offers a look at the forces that drove Ireland to erupt in rebellion during Easter week of 1916. It rejects the usual explanations that focus on labor disputes or an Ulster uprising, arguing instead that the root cause was the long‑standing English occupation. By tracing the lineage of resistance from earlier figures such as Daniel O’Connell to the modern militants, the author shows how a persistent “unbroken tradition” kept the Irish spirit alive. Documents, speeches, and illustrations bring the period to life.

Listeners are guided through the early days of the uprising: secret meetings, the drafting of the Proclamation, and the march of volunteers from towns across the island toward Dublin. Detailed maps chart the routes taken by key leaders, while portraits of men like Patrick Pearse, Thomas Clarke and Eoin MacNeill personalize the struggle. The author’s measured prose makes complex arguments accessible, helping listeners understand why many felt armed resistance was the only path to self‑government. The work sets the stage for events that follow, leaving the audience eager to hear how the rebellion unfolds.