EASTER RISING BEGINS, GPO SEIZED & BRITISH HQ ATTACKED BY NATIONALISTS
Dublin, Ireland (JFK+50) On April 24, 1916, 110 years ago today, the Irish Republican Brotherhood (IRB), a secret organization of nationalists, launched an armed uprising against British rule. Because it was Easter Monday, the event became known as the "Easter Rising."
Led by Patrick Pearse*, the nationalists seized the General Post Office here in Dublin and attacked British headquarters. The IRB proclaimed the independence of Ireland.
JFK+50 NOTE
Unfortunately for the nationalists, the Easter Rising was crushed by the British by April 29, 1916. Pearse and 14 other IRB members were executed. They became martyrs for the cause of Irish independence.
*Patrick Henry Pearse (1879-1916) was born in Dublin, Ireland & became a teacher, barrister, poet, writer & leader of the Easter Rising. PHP was educated at University College, Dublin & was executed by firing squad after the uprising failed.
SOURCE
"Easter Rising in Ireland Begins," JFK+50, April 24, 2011, www.jfk50.blogspot.com/
