338: Ireland: Home Rule, Mutiny - and Civil War?

In this episode of "The Rest Is History," Dominic and Tom are joined by Dan Jackson to discuss the lead-up to a potential civil war in Edwardian Britain, focusing on the issue of Irish Home Rule and the intense opposition it faced, particularly from Ulster Unionists. The discussion covers the political landscape, the role of key figures like Bonar Law and Edward Carson, the rise of paramilitary groups, and the religious and cultural tensions of the time. They explore how the Liberal government's attempts to implement Home Rule were thwarted by Conservative opposition, army mutiny threats, and the looming threat of World War I, which ultimately overshadowed the Irish question. The speakers analyze the motivations and actions of various political players, the extent of popular opposition to Home Rule in Britain, and the long-lasting impact of these events on British and Irish history.