Intellectual Trends and Developments in Irish Historiography

Just as past events shape the present, so do earlier narratives influence the writing of history. The historical profession inherently involves continual reflection on the past, grounded in honest and systematic investigations of a broad spectrum of sources. This essay uses Ireland as a case study to explore various trends in historiography on the island. It will cover the nationalist writings in the early 1900s, the establishment of Irish Historical Studies in the 1930s, the focus on social and economic historiography in the 1950s and 1960s, historical revisionism in the 1970s, post-revisionism in the 1980s and 1990s, and contemporary approaches to Irish history. Understanding these historiographical shifts is crucial, as they reflect broader intellectual currents beyond just Ireland.

The Evolution of Historiography

If historiography is the ‘history of history’, it can be argued that it began with the advent of the first historical documents. Initially, the writing of history served the purpose of myth-making and legend-building, where the achievements of ancestors were used to enhance a group's identity, often framed as manifestations of divine purpose. This narrative structure persisted in Europe from the early medieval period until the Enlightenment, when individuals began to perceive themselves as architects of their destinies. This shift contributed to the rise of nationalism in the nineteenth century, as history became an academic endeavor, with an increasing focus on the examination of manuscripts and original documents.

While historiography became more scholarly, it was not devoid of overarching narratives. One of the most influential philosophies was Marxism, which reframed historical periods from Feudalism to the emergence of capitalism as a predetermined trajectory leading to Socialism, the ultimate civilization. This perspective spurred significant interest in social and economic history, particularly from the 1950s onward, as many scholars viewed the proletariat as the primary agents of future revolutions, rather than the elite. However, with the decline of Communist regimes in the late twentieth century, the influence of Marxism on historiography waned, prompting the question: “What drives contemporary historiography?”

Contemporary Trends in Irish Historiography

The digitization of archival sources has made the study and writing of history more accessible than ever. However, this increased availability of resources has underscored the importance of critical analysis alongside the mere collection of historical facts. Contemporary historians now integrate oral histories and community narratives, broadening the scope of historiography and enriching the understanding of local experiences. This evolution is particularly significant in the context of Ireland, where historiography has undergone drastic transformations since the early twentieth century.

In 1900, Ireland was still part of the United Kingdom, yet historical writing was already taking a nationalistic turn. Works such as *The Story of Ireland* (1885) by Alexander Martin Sullivan presented a patriotic view of Irish history. However, the early twentieth-century authors like George O’Brien and Alice Effie Murray shifted focus to specific economic periods. For instance, Murray’s *History of the Commercial and Financial Relations between England and Ireland from the Restoration* (1903) and O’Brien’s *Economic History of Ireland in the Eighteenth Century* (1918) offered detailed analyses of the Irish economy, portraying the Catholic Irish in a sympathetic light due to the adverse effects of English policies. This nuanced perspective marked a departure from the traditional sectarian narrative, acknowledging Britain’s detrimental relationship with Ireland.

Emergence of Irish Historical Studies

The establishment of Irish Historical Studies in 1938 marked a significant shift in historiography. Historians like Eoin MacNeill and Edmund Curtis had previously operated in isolation, but the IHS created a platform for collaboration. Notable figures such as Theodore William Moody and Robert Dudley Edwards aimed for a ‘scientific’ historiography, emphasizing standardization and peer engagement. Critics of the IHS accused it of attempting to rewrite Irish history, but the organization maintained that it sought to modernize historical discourse. Despite initial resistance, the IHS dominated Irish historiography from the 1930s to the 1980s.

Social and Economic Historiography

In the 1950s, there was a notable shift towards social and economic history, particularly concerning the Great Irish Famine. Ken Connell’s *Population of Ireland: 1750-1845* (1950) became a seminal work in demographic studies. The establishment of the Irish Economic History Group in 1968 and the subsequent publication of *Irish Economic and Social History* in 1974 marked significant advancements in this field. The role of women in shaping history began to receive more attention, alongside urban histories. Louis Michael Cullen emerged as a key figure in this area, with works like *Anglo-Irish Trade, 1660-1800* (1968) and *The Economic History of Ireland since 1660* (1972), which provided fresh perspectives on Ireland’s economic past.

Revisionism and Post-Revisionism

The emergence of revisionism in the 1970s sought to reevaluate the nationalistic narratives dominant in Irish historiography. Scholars like Connor Cruise O’Brien argued that the complexities of British-Irish relations were often oversimplified. His work, *States of Ireland* (1972), contended that England was not solely responsible for Ireland’s historical grievances. This period of revisionism faced criticism for its perceived detachment from the Irish populace, leading to the rise of post-revisionism in the 1980s and 1990s. Post-revisionist historians like Desmond Fennell and Brendan Bradshaw challenged the minimalist interpretations of revisionists, advocating for a more nuanced understanding of Ireland’s history.

Contemporary Irish Historiography

In the twenty-first century, Irish historiography has evolved significantly, particularly following the Good Friday Agreement in 1998. The cessation of the Troubles has fostered an environment where historians can explore previously contentious topics with greater freedom. This newfound confidence has led to increased collaboration between scholars on both sides of the political spectrum, enriching the academic discourse. Contemporary historians are also focusing on the broader connections between Ireland and Britain, as well as the implications of Ireland’s membership in the European Union. Issues such as Gaelic Ireland and local histories are now gaining prominence, reflecting a more comprehensive approach to Irish historiography.

In conclusion, this essay has examined the question of what historiography is and the intellectual trends and developments that have characterized Irish historical scholarship in the twentieth and twenty-first centuries. By analyzing the evolution of historiography from the early nationalist writings to contemporary approaches, it is evident that the field has undergone significant transformations, shaped by various intellectual currents and societal changes.

References:

• Jackson, A. (2014). *The Historiography of Modern Ireland*. Dublin: University Press.
• Cullen, L. M. (1972). *The Economic History of Ireland since 1660*. London: Gill and Macmillan.
• O’Brien, C. C. (1972). *States of Ireland*. London: Allen Lane.
• Connell, K. (1950). *Population of Ireland: 1750-1845*. Dublin: Economic and Social History Society of Ireland.