Assess the view that, from 1791 to 1921, the success of revolutionary nationalism depended on the quality of its leadership.

Ultimately regarding this question, there are various factors influencing the understanding related to the success of revolutionary nationalism in Ireland within this period.Looking simply, there are a lot of factors supporting the statement. These range from evaluating leaders’ aims and values and how they changed throughout the period, moving from Tone’s poorly organised rebellion and comparing it with later ventures spearheaded by DeValera and Collins which employed guerilla warfare tactics. This also highlights the different methods, and ideas relating to nationalism and the incorporation of these into the movement, whether these be relating to the enlightened views of early leaders and their emphasis on culture (Young Ireland etc.) compared to later movements which combined this with politics and the militarisation involved in this.Conversely there are those that dispute this and allow room for thought. For example, Parnell’s alternative belief in constitutional nationalism, working from inside the government to re-invigorate the Irish cause. Similarly, looking at the ‘risings’ and how easily they were put down. This rebellious nature was partnered with foolishness, resulting in a lack of organisation and tactical planning, which made it relatively easy for the British government to nullify; especially when considering the impact of Collins and the IRA later in the period. Cultural nationalism, as mentioned previously was also just as important a factor; reinvigorating the Irish people and bringing them to understand, accept, and be proud of their ‘Irishness’ was vital in this battle. Finally, assessing DeValera’s impact and connections with America, which garnered the attention of the wider world, while also bringing in money and support from descendants of Irish immigrants who were also nationalised.All of these factors are important and highlight the different impacts relating to nationalism whether it be constitutional or revolutionary, but the answer to the question as to whether the success of revolutionary nationalism depended on the quality of its leadership is a difficult one. Arguably, the success of revolutionary tactics was not particularly identifiable until later in the period when merged with constitutional methods through Sinn Fein and the IRA, potentially showing that it was not just leadership that was important, but a sense of legitimacy and togetherness, which was the result of the various factors mentioned previously.