The Irish Republican Brotherhood (IRB) held its first formal meeting in Dublin, marking the birth of an organization that profoundly influenced Irish nationalism. Founded by James Stephens and Thomas Clarke Luby, the IRB established a secret revolutionary society aiming for an independent Irish republic through physical force. Its formation represented a new phase in Irish revolutionary nationalism, combining modern organizational methods with traditional republican ideology. The IRB's structure of small cells, strict secrecy, and hierarchical leadership proved influential. Its emphasis on military preparation and international connections, particularly with Irish-American supporters, shaped nationalist strategy for generations.
