Imperial disintegration and the creation of the Irish border : imperialism and nationalism 1885-1925

Abstract

This paper outlines the complex interactions of imperialism and nationalism during the 40-year period leading to the creation of the Irish border. It seeks to relocate partition in a historical and comparative context characterised by the wider struggle between the two frequently antagonistic but sometimes interwoven ideologies. In distinguishing the contrasting principles of border creation implicit in imperialism and nationalism, it challenges explanations which see the creation of the border solely in terms of divisions internal to Ireland or in terms of a simplified narrative about Irish Protestants and Catholics, unionists and nationalists or the geographical distribution of different religions and cultures in Ireland.