1 Introduction

Ireland played a significant role in the end of the British Empire. The events of the era brought irreversible changes to the world following the end of World War One. The Paris Peace Conference in 1919 highlighted the plight of many oppressed peoples, bringing attention to the Irish and Korean causes. The Easter Rising and the General Election of 1919 were crucial in the Irish question, leading the delegation to Paris as a means to achieve independence. The events in Ireland mirrored the emergence of independent nation states from the remains of empires in Central and Eastern Europe. Similarly, China was striving for recognition and freedom from colonial status, culminating in the Xinhai Revolution in 1911. The Xinhai Revolution inspired hope in both Asia and Europe, and its comparison with the Irish experience holds important national and international significance.

2 The Xinhai Revolution and the Establishment of the Republic of China: 1911-1912

The Xinhai Revolution in China was triggered by an accidental bomb explosion and was the successful attempt to bring down the Qing court. The Irish press, particularly the Irish Independent, the Freeman’s Journal, and the Cork Examiner, reported widely on the outbreak of the revolution in China and the establishment of a native government in the form of a republic. The newspapers closely followed the development of the situation in China, drawing parallels between the Chinese revolution and the Irish nationalist cause. The language used in the articles evoked Irish nationalistic aspirations and reflected the importance and might of the press. There was great enthusiasm in the articles, and the Irish press gave a voice to the Chinese cause, drawing parallels between the struggles of young China and those of the Irish nationalists.

3 The Third Home Rule and the World War One in Ireland: 1912-1916

Late 1910, Prime Minister Herbert Asquith announced a new Home Rule proposal, repeating the situation of the first two attempts in 1886 and 1893. The Home Rule movement used anti-imperialism to produce legitimacy for national movement and mobilize support for Parnellism. Home Rule aimed at pacifying Ireland, but the failure led to the 1916 rebellion. The outbreak of World War One "froze" the Home Rule question, affecting Irish nationalists. The Unionists and nationalists supported the war effort to win influence with the British government. The Irish Parliamentary Party faced a difficult position due to the suspension of Home Rule. World War One reshaped Irish politics and divided the nationalists. The role of the Irish Catholic Church in the war effort and conscription is notable, and the opposition to conscription and the conscription crisis played a role in the rise of Sinn Féin. In Ireland, the opposition played by the Catholic Church was balanced by enthusiasm for the Irish Catholic mission abroad, which diverted the war effort and opposition to conscription into the mission effort in Africa and Asia. The Irish Apostolic Mission to China was promoted in Ireland by the clergy and the press, and the Chinese Mission was established in Ireland to prepare young men to become missionaries in China.

4 Ireland and the Easter Rising: 1914-1916

This chapter discusses the involvement of ordinary Irish men in the Easter rising and the connection between the Xinhai Revolution and the British authorities' knowledge of Irish uprising preparation. It also explores the relationship between the start of World War One and the timing of the Easter Rising, as well as the Irish Republican Brotherhood's rationalization for rising during the war.

5 World War One: Ireland and Great Britain, 1916-1919

This chapter discusses the Irish attitude towards World War One and its relationship with both Germany and Great Britain. It also outlines the efforts made by the Irish Volunteers to secure German military support for the Easter Rising. Despite the failure of German support, the Easter Rising resulted in a wave of revulsion against the British authorities, leading to the start of the republican revolution in Ireland. The chapter also highlights the end of World War One and the impact on Ireland, as well as the Irish Assembly's establishment and subsequent suppression by the British. Additionally, the different Irish perspectives on Germany are explored, with an emphasis on James Connolly's pro-German stance and the divergence of opinions among Irish nationalists.

6 World War One, the Other Front: China, Japan and Germany, 1915-1919

This chapter discusses China's involvement in World War One and the issues they faced, such as the Twenty-one Demands and the Shandong question. The chapter also examines China's position at the Paris Peace Conference, as well as China's role in providing logistical and support services for the Allies. Additionally, the chapter explores the Irish nationalist propaganda and its view on China's stance during World War One.

7 Paris Peace Conference and Its Aftermath: 1919-1920

The Paris Peace Conference provided both China and Ireland with an opportunity to revise their position on colonial and semi-colonial status. China hoped to see its territorial integrity recognized, while Ireland sought the application of the principle of self-determination. The American support for Ireland was significant, but ultimately, despite many sympathizers, both Democratic and Republican parties in the USA denied recognition of the Irish Republic. China's hopes from the Paris Peace Conference were also dashed when Japan staked a firm claim to Germany's rights in Shandong, leading to mass protests in China. The Chinese government's attempt to appeal to the League of Nations was ultimately unsuccessful, but the Shandong question was later resolved at the Conference of Limitation of Armament in Washington in 1922.

8 Conclusion

The Paris Peace Conference did not solve the problems of either Ireland or China. Both countries had to wait until 1922 for significant changes. The Easter Rising provided an opportunity for an Irish Republic to be established, but it was not until 1922 that the Irish Free State was formed. China finally settled issues left pending by the revolution and the war at the Conference of Limitation of Armaments in Washington in 1922. The period between 1911 and 1922 was tumultuous for both countries, as they experienced revolution or uprising, struggled to get rid of colonial or semi-colonial status, and tried to redress their national situation by exploiting the chances offered by World War One. Despite advocating the self-determination principle, neither country received justice at the Paris Peace Conference.