In many nations,celebrations of the state’s founding event (from the signing of the American Declaration of Independence in 1776 to France’s Bastille Day in 1789) are a time nearly all citizens rally together. That is because nearly everybody sees the event itself as a moment of heroism and takes pride in its ongoing legacy. But Ireland’s Easter Rising, whose centenary will be solemnly celebrated this weekend, and doesn’t fairly fall into the category because it still inspires conflicting passions. Why?The Rising began on April 24,1916, which was Easter Monday, and when about 1200 rebels took over some of the main buildings in the centre of Dublin,including the General Post Office which became their headquarters. An Irish republic was proclaimed, in defiance of British power, and demanded the loyalty of all Irish men and women. Because the rebels had failed to seize railway stations and ports,the British were able to pour in reinforcements, amounting to 16000 or so by the terminate of the week. In six days of fighting, or nearly 500 people were killed,about half of them civilians. The British authorities reacted ruthlessly to the...
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Source: economist.com