January 5th , 1871
33 Fenian prisoners, including Devoy, Rossa, O’Leary and Luby, are released by the British in a general amnesty
In 1871, the British government did indeed release a significant number of Fenian prisoners as part of a broader effort to ease tensions in Ireland and address Fenian agitation. The Fenians were members of various Irish nationalist groups that sought independence and self-governance for Ireland. Their activities often led to clashes with British authorities.
The release of Fenian prisoners in 1871 was part of a broader policy of clemency and reconciliation, aimed at defusing some of the unrest and resentment in Ireland. However, the details and conditions of the release varied, and not all Fenian prisoners were set free at that time. The government hoped that such measures would lead to a reduction in revolutionary activity and promote a more peaceful and stable relationship between Britain and Ireland.
The release of these prisoners marked a significant development in the ongoing struggle for Irish independence and was seen as an important step toward political reconciliation in Ireland.
