August 13th in Irish History
1704 - Penal Laws
The Irish Parliament passed the Registration Act, requiring all Catholic priests to register with authorities. This legislation marked another step in the implementation of the Penal Laws, aiming to control Catholic religious practice. Registered priests had to provide securities for good behavior and were restricted in their movements.
1869 - Land Reform
The Irish Land Conference opened in Dublin, bringing together tenant farmers and sympathetic landlords. The meeting marked an important step toward land reform, establishing principles that would influence future legislation. The conference demonstrated growing recognition of the need for significant changes in Irish land ownership.
1920 - Munitions Strike
Railway workers across Ireland expanded their refusal to transport British military supplies. This action, part of a broader labor campaign supporting independence, significantly hampered British military operations. The strike demonstrated the effectiveness of civil resistance in supporting the independence struggle.
1969 - British Troops
British troops were deployed in Northern Ireland as violence escalated following the Battle of Bogside. Initially welcomed by many nationalists as protectors, their presence would fundamentally alter the dynamics of the conflict. The deployment marked the beginning of Operation Banner, which would become the British Army's longest campaign.
1981 - Prison Protest
Republican prisoners in the Maze Prison began discussions about ending the hunger strike. The deaths of ten hunger strikers had created intense pressure for a resolution. The protest had achieved significant international attention but at a terrible human cost.