Submission Date
7-18-2025
Document Type
Paper
Department
History
Faculty Mentor
Kyle Prochnow
Project Description
The early 20th century in Ireland was a complex and confusing period. Between British Imperialism, The Gaelic Revival, World War I, the suffrage movement, and the Irish War of Independence, the period was fast and turbulent. Above the shifting ground, Irish women activists balanced two key political causes: feminism and Irish nationalism. Past scholarship has examined the coexistence of these two ideals. At times, one suppressed the other. At other times, they worked in tandem. This project offers a new interpretation of Irish women's political activity through a close reading of the letters and memoirs of three people: Constance Markievicz and Margaret Skinnider of Cumann na mBan, and Linda Kearns who served as an Irish nurse and courier. The published sources from each of these women demonstrate that the internal identities of feminism and nationalism were harder to balance or compartmentalize than historians give credit. These activists demonstrate that they were consistently interacting and being challenged by their femininity when fighting for nationalism. Each of the three female political activists will be primarily examined through primary documents created by them, be they memoirs, letters, or publications. Ultimately, this project sheds light on the complex decision-making and prioritization that are part and parcel of political movements.
Recommended Citation
Clune, Seamus M., "The Blurry Line: Examining the Balance Between Feminism and Nationalism for Women in Early 20th Century Ireland" (2025). History Summer Fellows. 20.
https://digitalcommons.ursinus.edu/history_sum/20
Open Access
Available to all.
Comments
Presented during the 27th Annual Summer Fellows Symposium, July 18, 2025 at Ursinus College.