Irish Race Conventions facts for kids

The Irish Race Conventions were special meetings held by people who wanted Ireland to be independent or have more control over its own government. Most of these meetings took place in the United States, supported by Irish-American groups. But some were also held in places like Australia, Argentina, and France. Many conventions focused on the idea of Home Rule, which meant Ireland would govern itself while still being part of the British Empire. Later meetings, in 1947 and 1994, talked about issues in Northern Ireland.

Where and When Were the Conventions?

• 1881 Chicago
• 1896 Dublin
• 1916 New York City
• 1918 New York City
• 1919 Philadelphia
• 1921 Buenos Aires
• 1922 Paris
• 1947 New York City
• 1994 New York City

What Did the Conventions Discuss?

Chicago 1881: Starting the Movement

In 1880, a famous Irish leader named Charles Stewart Parnell visited Chicago. This led to the creation of the American branch of the Irish National Land League. This group helped Irish farmers.

The first Irish Race Convention happened in Chicago from November 30 to December 2, 1881. It brought together different Irish groups. These included the Fenians, who were more radical, the Land League, and the growing Irish Home Rule movement. The Home Rule movement wanted Ireland to have its own parliament.

The convention was organized by John F. Finerty. Important Irish politicians like T. P. O'Connor and Tim Healy attended. The convention quickly raised $500,000 for the Home Rule cause.

Dublin 1896: Trying to Unite Irish Leaders

By 1896, two attempts to pass a Home Rule law in the British Parliament had failed. Also, the Home Rule movement had split into different groups after Parnell's death.

The main goal of the 1896 Dublin convention was to try and reunite these groups. They hoped to bring together the followers of John Redmond and John Dillon. These leaders had divided the Irish Parliamentary Party in 1890.

The Archbishop of Toronto suggested the meeting. He wanted a "great National Convention" in Dublin. This meeting would include leaders from Ireland and Irish people from other countries. Even Pope Leo XIII sent a blessing, hoping for an end to the disagreements.

The convention passed resolutions about land ownership reform. Eventually, the Irish Parliamentary Party did reunite in 1900. They helped pass the Home Rule Act 1914. However, this law was put on hold because of World War I.

New York City 1916: Before the Easter Rising

The 1916 convention took place in New York City. It had 2,300 delegates and happened just six weeks before the Easter Rising in Ireland. The meeting discussed the differences between those who wanted Home Rule and those who wanted complete independence.

Some groups, like Clan na Gael, supported the Easter Rising. Others still hoped that the 1914 Home Rule Act, though paused, would eventually be put into action.

Most people at the convention supported America staying neutral in World War I. They did not want an alliance with Britain. Woodrow Wilson won the 1916 US presidential election with help from Irish-Americans. His campaign slogan was "He kept us out of War."

An important outcome was the creation of the "Friends of Irish Freedom" (FOIF). This group worked to support Ireland's independence. They also promoted Irish businesses and culture.

New York City 1918: During World War I

This convention was held on May 18–19, 1918. It was organized by the Friends of Irish Freedom. The meeting looked forward to the end of World War I. By this time, America was an ally of Britain.

The convention faced a challenge. It wanted to support Irish groups like Sinn Féin, who opposed British rule. But it also needed to show that Irish-Americans were loyal to the USA. America had started drafting soldiers in 1917. In Ireland, there was a big protest against conscription (forced military service) in 1918. This protest united many Irish groups.

The convention ended with a message to President Wilson. It asked him to help Ireland become independent.

Philadelphia 1919: Hopes for Irish Independence

This large convention took place on February 22–23, 1919, with 5,000 delegates. They discussed the success of Sinn Féin in the 1918 Irish election. Sinn Féin had declared an Irish Republic in Dublin in January.

The delegates hoped America would support Ireland at the Paris peace conference. They believed that President Wilson's idea of "self-determination" (where people choose their own government) should apply to Ireland.

The convention created the American Commission on Irish Independence. This group went to Europe to report and lobby for Ireland. However, Ireland was not allowed to participate in the Paris conference. President Wilson also refused to support Irish independence. Because of this, Irish-American groups did not vote for the Democratic Party in the 1920 US election. This partly led to Harding's victory.

The Friends of Irish Freedom (FOIF) raised over $5 million by selling bonds for the Irish Republic. However, disagreements arose over how the money was managed. The FOIF wanted a careful approach to get diplomatic support for Ireland. But Irish leaders like Éamon de Valera expected the FOIF to demand immediate recognition of the Irish Republic by the USA. This led to a split in policy. Sinn Féin eventually cut ties with the FOIF in October 1920.

Melbourne 1919: Irish Support in Australia

The first Australian Irish Race Convention was held on November 3, 1919. It was led by T. J. Ryan, the Premier of Queensland. Archbishop Mannix read messages supporting Ireland's claim to independence. Archbishop Redwood of New Zealand also attended. About 1,000 delegates were present.

Buenos Aires 1921: A Global Movement

In 1921, Laurence Ginnell organized a smaller convention in Buenos Aires, Argentina. This meeting connected with Irish people living there. It showed that the Irish independence movement had support all over the world.

Paris 1922: Debating the Anglo-Irish Treaty

In January 1922, the convention in Paris had to discuss the Anglo-Irish Treaty. This treaty had just been approved and caused strong disagreements among Irish nationalists. The meeting was held in Paris to show that Ireland was becoming an independent state in Europe. The Irish Free State was set to be created in December 1922.

The Irish delegation was supposed to represent "the Irish people." But it included senior members of Sinn Féin who were both for and against the treaty. The debate focused on whether the treaty gave Ireland "full" independence. Those against it said no, while those in favor said it was a big step towards full independence.

The outcome was a win for de Valera's followers, who were against the treaty. They gained more power on the executive committee.

New York City 1947: Ending Partition

By 1947, the Irish Free State was almost a republic. It had also remained neutral during World War II. The main goal of this convention was to end the partition of Ireland. Partition meant that Ireland was divided into two parts: the independent Irish Free State and Northern Ireland, which remained part of the United Kingdom.

America was helping Britain with the Marshall Aid plan. Some people thought this aid should only be given if Britain agreed to end the partition of Ireland. John E. Fogarty, a US Congressman, was a key supporter of this idea. He proposed the Fogarty Resolution in 1950. He argued that Northern Ireland was costing Britain a lot of money. He said American financial support was helping to keep Ireland divided. However, his resolution was defeated in Congress in 1951. One reason it failed was that Ireland had been neutral during World War II.

New York City 1994: Towards Peace in Northern Ireland

This convention was held in June 1994. Gerry Adams of Sinn Féin was the guest speaker. The "Troubles" in Northern Ireland had been going on since 1970. These conflicts had not led to Irish reunification.

Earlier in 1994, President Bill Clinton had allowed Mr. Adams to get his first US visa. This was based on the idea that peaceful methods could solve the conflict. The convention helped prepare the way for a ceasefire in August 1994. This ceasefire was a vital step in the Northern Ireland peace process, which led to the 1998 Belfast Agreement.