Cumann na mBan and the Irish Revolution, 1914-1923

Cumann na mBan, a women's support group to the Irish Volunteers, was founded in 1914. Nationalist in outlook, its aims centered on arming Irish men, generating propaganda, and presenting a united Irish opposition to English rule. The Free State government's awareness of Cumann na mBan's assistance to the IRA after the 1916 Rising resulted in large-scale imprisonment of republican women during the Civil War. But, for a time at least, Cumann na mBan had placed equality for women on the political agenda and demonstrated women could be as politically active and capable as men. Cumann na mBan, a women's support group to the Irish Volunteers, was founded in 1914. Nationalist in outlook, its aims centred on arming Irish men, generating propaganda and presenting a united Irish opposition to English rule. After participation in the 1916 Rising, members played crucial roles in intelligence work, transporting arms, nursing wounded men, providing safe houses and supporting IRA men in prison. They also boosted attendances at republican election rallies, funerals and protest marches. In 1922 the leadership overwhelmingly rejected the Treaty, causing a split and the formation of Cumann na Saoirse (Free State Cumann na mBan). The Free State government's awareness of Cumann na mBan's assistance to the IRA resulted in large-scale imprisonment of republican women during the Civil War. But, for a time at least, Cumann na mBan had placed equality for women on the political agenda and demonstrated that women could be as politically active and capable as men. The history of Cumann na mBan, a women's support group to the Irish Volunteers. Formed in 1914, its aims included helping the cause of Irish liberty and arming the Irish men for the defence of Ireland. In 1922, the organisation overwhelmingly rejected the Treaty, resulting in a substantial split and the formation of Cumann ne Saoirse. Contents Acknowledgements Acronyms Introduction Historical Background, Origins and Foundation Consolidation, Expansion and the Preservation of Unity 1914-16 Cumann na mBan and the Rising From the Gun to the Ballot Box 1916-18 The War of Independence 1918-21 Division and Civil War 1921-23 Conclusion Appendix Endnotes Bibliography Index Cal Mccarthy. Includes Bibliographical References (p. 254-265) And Index.