The Provisional Government of Ireland was established in April 1916 during the Easter Rising, a rebellion against British rule. It aimed to create an independent Irish Republic and was led by figures such as Patrick Pearse and James Connolly. The government declared its authority through the Proclamation of the Irish Republic, which was read outside the General Post Office in Dublin. Although the uprising was suppressed within a week, the Provisional Government's ideals inspired future movements for Irish independence. It laid the groundwork for the eventual establishment of the Irish Free State in 1922, marking a significant step towards self-governance in Ireland.