Irish Republican Brotherhood facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Irish Republican Brotherhood Bráithreachas Phoblacht na hÉirean
Sunburst flag
Founded	1858
Dissolved	1924
Preceded by	Young Ireland
Newspaper	The Irish People
Ideology	Irish republicanism Irish nationalism
National affiliation	Irish Volunteers (1913–1917) Irish Republican Army (1917–1922) Irish Army (1922–1924)
American affiliate	Fenian Brotherhood (1858–1867) Clan na Gael (1867–1924)
Colours	Green & Gold
Slogan	Erin go bragh

The Irish Republican Brotherhood (IRB) was a secret group in Ireland. It was formed in 1858 and lasted until 1924. Its main goal was to create an "independent democratic republic" in Ireland. This meant they wanted Ireland to be a free country, ruled by its own people.

The IRB had a partner group in the United States. This group was started by John O'Mahony. It was first called the Fenian Brotherhood and later Clan na Gael. Members of both the IRB and these American groups were often called "Fenians".

The IRB was very important in the history of Ireland. They strongly believed that Ireland should be a republic, separate from the United Kingdom. They followed in the footsteps of earlier groups like the United Irishmen and the Young Irelanders.

In the late 1800s, the IRB tried to make political parties like the Home Rule League more democratic. They also took part in the Land War. This was a fight for farmers' rights to own their land.

The IRB planned and carried out the Easter Rising in 1916. This was a rebellion against British rule. The Rising helped lead to the creation of the first Irish parliament, called Dáil Éireann, in 1919. When the British tried to stop Dáil Éireann, it led to the Irish War of Independence. This war ended with the signing of the Anglo-Irish Treaty in 1921. The treaty created the Irish Free State, which was most of Ireland. However, Northern Ireland remained part of the United Kingdom.

How the IRB Started

The Irish Republican Brotherhood began in 1858. It was started at the same time in Dublin, Ireland, and in New York, USA. The men who founded the IRB had been involved in the 1848 rebellion in Ireland.

The IRB was a very mysterious group. Its members believed that the only way Ireland could become free was by using force. They thought that peaceful talks would not work.

Images for kids

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  Thomas Osborne Davis was a leader of the Young Irelanders.

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  John Mitchel was another important Young Irelander.

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  Thomas Clarke Luby was one of the founding members of the IRB.

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  Denis Dowling Mulcahy, Thomas Clarke Luby and John O'Leary were key figures in the IRB.

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  Charles Kickham was a well-known Fenian and writer.

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  Michael Collins was a famous Irish leader and the last president of the IRB.

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  This plaque on 25 Parnell Square remembers an important IRB meeting. At this meeting in 1914, they decided to plan a violent rebellion.

See also

In Spanish: Hermandad Republicana Irlandesa para niños