Ulster Covenant: On the brink of civil war

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Between the signing of the Ulster Covenant and the outbreak of World War One Ireland stood on the edge of disaster.

One hundred years ago this month thousands of Unionists signed the Ulster Covenant, a pledge to reject Westminster's attempts to establish a Home Rule parliament for Ireland in Dublin.

By 1914 the imposition of Home Rule seemed inevitable. The Ulster Volunteers - a militia formed for Unionist resistance - took steps to arm themselves and resist Dublin rule by force.

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An episode of the Radio Ulster series 'A Short History of Ireland' written by Dr Jonathan Bardon

All images are subject to copyright

Images courtesy of Linen Hall Library, Public Record Office of Northern Ireland, National Museum of Ireland and Getty Images.

Featuring the voices of Frances Tomelty, James Greene, Patrick FitzSymons and Sean Crummey.

Audio slideshow production by Alison Finch. Publication date 24th September 2012.

Related:

Public Record Office Northern Ireland - Ulster Covenant Archive, external

Ulster Museum - Ulster Covenant Exhibition, external

Ulster Historical Foundation, external

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