The Irish involvement in the South African War (1899-1902) was a paradox, to say the least. Being part of the British empire, Irishmen served in the British army but at the same time Ireland had...Show moreThe Irish involvement in the South African War (1899-1902) was a paradox, to say the least. Being part of the British empire, Irishmen served in the British army but at the same time Ireland had one of the most notable pro-Boer movements, thereby supporting the opposite side. Politicians and society at large were simultaneously experiencing the rise of Irish nationalism and a growing call for home rule. This thesis takes a look at to what extent the Irish identity determined the reaction to the war and its legacy by analysing Irish political and public debate at the beginning of the twentieth century.Show less
The demand for an independent Scotland originated in the late nineteenth century, alongside the growth of the Irish home rule movement. Both Scotland and Ireland, close in distance and culture, saw...Show moreThe demand for an independent Scotland originated in the late nineteenth century, alongside the growth of the Irish home rule movement. Both Scotland and Ireland, close in distance and culture, saw the rise of nationalism and with it a desire to break away from the Union at the same time. Eventually, Irish independence was established after a devastating war at the beginning of the interwar period, but how did the Scottish home rule movement relate to this change? Did they use the Irish situation as an example for Scotland and therefore a warning for the United Kingdom? Or was it considered a ‘how-not-to’ case by the Scottish politicians? This thesis looks at the influence of Ireland on the argumentation used in debates about Scottish home rule in the interwar period (1918-1939) by analysing British parliamentary debates.Show less
