yesterday.ie
← All Dates

On this day

April 20

1653
Politics

April 20, 1653

Cromwellian Act of Settlement Proclaimed

On April 20, 1653, the Cromwellian Act of Settlement was proclaimed in Dublin, initiating one of the most dramatic land confiscations in Irish history. This legislation imposed severe penalties, including death and widespread land confiscation, against Irish civilians and combatants following the Irish Rebellion of 1641. It led to the confiscation of vast areas of land from the Gaelic nobility and Irish Catholics, who were often banished to Connacht or County Clare. Catholic land ownership plummeted to just 8% across the island, fundamentally reshaping Irish society and land ownership patterns for centuries.

Read the full story →
1920
Battles

April 20, 1920

Irish Railway Munitions Strike Begins

On April 20, 1920, Irish railway workers initiated a significant act of civil resistance during the War of Independence by refusing to transport British military supplies. This action, coordinated by trade unions and supported by the Dáil Éireann, severely disrupted British military operations in Ireland. The strike demonstrated the potent effectiveness of non-violent resistance in supporting the Irish independence movement, highlighting the crucial role of organized labor in the struggle against British rule. The strike continued for several months, causing considerable logistical challenges for the British forces.

Read the full story →
1971
Battles

April 20, 1971

Derry Republican Easter Commemoration Clashes

On April 20, 1971, Derry experienced significant unrest following a Republican Easter commemoration parade. Youths clashed with British soldiers, marking a period of heightened tension and violence in Northern Ireland. While not explicitly a Civil Rights March organized by groups like NICRA, the event occurred within the broader context of the Civil Rights Movement and the escalating Troubles. The clashes highlighted the ongoing political and social instability in the region and the deep-seated divisions between communities and the state, contributing to the deteriorating security situation in Northern Ireland during the early 1970s.

Read the full story →