Terence MacSwiney, a prominent figure in the Irish nationalist movement and Sinn Féin Lord Mayor of Cork, began his hunger strike in Brixton Prison on August 12, 1920. His protest was initiated in response to the British government's imprisonment of Irish political figures without trial, specifically objecting to the unjust conditions faced by political prisoners in the wake of the Irish War of Independence. During his 74 days of fasting, MacSwiney refused all nourishment, subsisting only on water. Despite the efforts of his supporters and the impact of his declining health, he remained resolute, determined to draw attention to the plight of his fellow prisoners and the broader struggle for Irish self-determination.

As news of his deteriorating condition spread, it captured the attention of both the Irish public and international community, igniting a wave of protests and support for MacSwiney and the cause of Irish independence. His death on October 25, 1920, prompted immense public outcry and grief, culminating in a large funeral attended by thousands, reinforcing the call for Irish autonomy and highlighting the extreme measures taken by those who opposed British rule. Nationwide, his sacrifice became a symbol of the Irish fight for independence.

MacSwiney's death not only drew widespread sympathy for the Republican cause but also intensified international scrutiny of Britain's dealings in Ireland. The ramifications were felt deeply within the Irish War of Independence, motivating further resistance and adding urgency to negotiations for peace. His legacy endures through the narratives of struggle and sacrifice that characterize Ireland's revolutionary history.