An Overview of the Years 1911-1920

1912 Irish Times, 16th April

1912 Irish Times, 16th April, p 7

Irish Times

1912 Irish Times, 16th April
Irish Times

1912 Irish Times, 16th April

1912 Irish Times, 16th April, p 7

Irish Times

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On the international front this decade was dominated by the lead-up to the First World War, and its duration from August 1914 to November 1918. About 49,000 Irishmen in the British Army died in the conflict. The Russian Revolution in 1917 had major consequences for the remainder of the century.

In Ireland the unionisation of the workforce marked the beginning of the decade, with the lockout of 1913 a major radicalising event. The coalition of more radical, nationalist and socialist elements led to the 1916 rising. The general election of 1918 saw Sinn Féin win 73 of Ireland's 105 seats, Countess Markievicz of Sinn Féin was the first woman elected to parliament, but she did not take her seat at Westminster. On 21 January 1919 the Sinn Féin elected members formed Dáil Éireann and issued a Declaration of Independence, thus founding the new state.

1914 Irish Times, 2nd August

1914 Irish Times, 2nd August, p. 5

Irish times

1914 Irish Times, 2nd August
Irish times

1914 Irish Times, 2nd August

1914 Irish Times, 2nd August, p. 5

Irish times

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1912 Irish Times, 16th April 1911 (1 April) The Titanic is launched, built by Harland and Wolff, Belfast, for the White Star Line. It sinks on its maiden voyage on 14 April 1912.

1914 (3 August) Outbreak of the First World War – thousands of Irish join British forces, urged by John Redmond.

1915 (7 May) Lusitania torpedoed, off the Old Head of Kinsale, 1,198 drowned, including Sir Hugh Lane.

1916 (23 April) 1916 - 1921 War of Independence.

1918 (10 October) Dublin steam packet R.M.S. Leinster torpedoed by German submarine one hour out of Kingstown, 501 of the 771 on board died.

1918 (28 December) Countess Markievicz first woman elected to parliament, she refused to take her seat at Westminster.

1919 (21 January) Dáil Éireann assembled, issuing a Declaration of Independence, adopting a constitution for the Dáil, and issuing a message to the 'free nations of the world'.

1919 (15 June) John W. Alcock and Arthur Whitten Brown completed the first non-stop transatlantic flight from Newfoundland, landing near Clifden, Co. Galway.