A set of overlooked primary sources related to the 1916 Easter Rising provides the focus for this essay, which will rely on these documents to expand the current understanding of Douglas Hyde’s political ideology. These sources produced by Hyde consist of a journal kept at the time of the Rising that includes eyewitness details about the event, a written reflection on the events of Easter Week, and a personal statement that he gathered from Charles MacNeill revealing the turmoil experienced by his brother Eoin MacNeill concerning the conflicting plans for the Rising.1 These ego-documents are an important piece of the enigmatic puzzle that was Hyde’s ideology, particularly where political views are concerned, and they help to reveal his true nature as patriot, future president of Ireland, and pacifist.2 Moreover, these documents will serve as an explanation for the manner in which Hyde approached the rebellion and nationalism in general...