How selective did Irish Nationalists have to be to establish continuity with the national past?
The Invention of Tradition as described by Hobsbawm and Ranger,
“Is taken to mean a set of practices, normally governed by overtly or tacitly accepted rules and of ritual or symbolic nature, which seek to inculcate certain values as norms of behaviour by reputation.” (E. Hobsbawm, T Ranger, 1983. p.3)
The concept of tradition is the passing down of practices and beliefs from one generation to another. This valuable connection to the past, helps to form personal and cultural identity. Tradition however, can be reinvented and depends upon perspectives of the people at the time.
The invention of tradition …show more content…
In an attempt to establish continuity with an appropriate past, the rebellious heritage of Ireland, the cause embellished upon history. ‘In every generation the Irish people have asserted their right to national freedom and sovereignty’. (Proclamation of the Irish Republic, 24 April 1916) Pearse believed that to unite Ireland a new society was needed that ensured the development of individualism, Traditional violent protest and Martyrdom was born.
“Irishmen and Irishwomen: In the name of God and of the dead generations from which she receives her old tradition of nationhood, Ireland, through us, summons her children to her flag and strikes for her freedom. (Jeffery, 1999. p.82) Opinions in Ireland changed due to events following the Easter rising. Britains response to the treacherous rebellion while England was preoccupied with world War 1, saw Dublin ruined under martial law. The execution of rebel leaders, mass imprisonments, failed home rule policies, threats of conscription, and attempts to squash rebellion; rapidly transformed opinion of the ordinary Irish people. Along with Pearse and many others, Connolly was executed for his role in the rising, his ideas on social unity were distorted, justifying nationalist positions. Britain itself legitimised Pearse and Connolly as …show more content…
Overseen by the Office of Public Works. The new buildings would be made from Irish materials, have Irish designers and be IRISH. The priority rebuilds in Dublin included the General Post Office which held significance for Nationalists and was useful to the city. The 1916 Proclamation of the Republic of Ireland was read here, and martyrs to the cause were immortalised there. Inside is emblazoned with the Irish mythological hero C�Chulainn, and features memorials to martyrs of the uprising. Other key projects included the Custom House and Four Courts, also essential to city life, designed by famous Irish architects. Buildings associated with Britain were abandoned or destroyed, including the 'big house ' of British occupancy and the seat of British power Dublin Castle. The castle wasn 't demolished but neglected, awaiting the decision of future generations that Nationalist traditions may not effect in such a salubrious