Socialist and trade union organiser. Born in
Edinburgh of Irish parents Enlisted in the British
Army at 14. Served for 7 years untill deserted
and he developed a hatred for the british army
after witnessing brutal treatment from soldiers.
Influenced by Scottish socialist John Leslie he became
secretary of the independent Labour Party in Edinburgh until
he was made redundant. Leslie arranged for him to be
employed by the Dublin socialist society 1886. He became a
member of the United Labourers of Ireland and represented
on Dublin Trade Councils
Founded the Irish republican Socialist Party and
the Workers Republic 1898-99. After moving his
family to New York he founded the irish socialist
Federation.
Joint founder along with James Larkin of the Irish
Labour Party 1912. Jointly founded the Irish citizen
army. He commited the Laour movementagainst the
Allies whne the War broke out in 1914.He plaged the
Citizen Army to support the volunteers in the Easter
rising1916.
Proved himself to be most effective and inspirational
leader of the rebel leaders during the insurrection. on
Easter Monday he led the Headquarters Battalion from
Liberty hall to the General Post officeand construction
of defences.
He was severely wounded and arrested and court
martialled following the surrender. On May 9 1916, James
Connolly was sentenced to die by firing squad.