Cumann Na nGaedhael

Question 1

Problems faced by Cumann na nGaedhael

Answer 1

£30 million worth of damage
Economy was in ruin
Great bitterness between both sides as a result of the civil war
A large majority did not even recognise the Free State and threatened it’s very existence

Question 2

The Constitution

Answer 2

Two Houses of Parliament -> Dáil Éireann & Seanad Éireann
Members of Dáil had to swear oath of allegiance to the King as head of the Commonwealth
Governor-General was the Kings representative in Irish Free State

Question 3

Law and Order

Answer 3

Main task of Cumann na nGaedhael -> restore law & order
Minister of Home Affairs (Kevin O’ Higgins) set up n unarmed police force
O’ Higgins introduced Pubic Safety Acts in 1923 and 1924 -> allowed the government to imprison IRA members

Question 4

Army Mutiny

Answer 4

Biggest threat to the state -> the army
When government planned to reduce size of the army, officers demanded they abandon their plans
The condemned the government for failing to bring the Irish Free State closer to a Republic
Government considered this mutiny and arrested those involved
Army was never a threat after that -> considered a major achievement of the new government

Question 5

General Election 1923

Answer 5

Sinn Féin refused to take their seats

Labour became main opposition party in the Dáil

Question 6

The Economy

Answer 6

Government believed agriculture was more important than industry
Improved the quality of eggs, meat and butter in order to increase food exports
Agricultural Credit Corporation set up to give loans to farmers

Question 7

Shannon Scheme

Answer 7

Lack of a cheap energy source
Government built a hydroelectric power station
ESB set up to distribute the electricity

Question 8

Boundary Commission

Why was it set up

Answer 8

1924-> Boundary Commission was set up to decide the border between Irish Free State and Northern Ireland

Question 9

Boundary Commission

Representatives

Answer 9

Eoin MacNeill -> Minister for Education
JR Fisher -> Unionists
Justice Richard Feetham -> South Afica (Independent Chairman)

Question 10

Boundary Commission

Answer 10

Morning Post reported-> Free State would not acquire large areas of the North - lose small parts of East Donegal
Uproar in Free State -> MacNeill resigned
Agreement was reached which left the border unchanged

Question 11

Relations with Britain

Answer 11

Cumann na nGaedhael wanted to increase the Free States independence from Britain
Joined the League of Nations & appointed ambassadors to the Vatican and U.S.
Free State Government-> pressurised Britain to increase independence of the dominions
British gave in -> 1931, spStatute of Westminster was passed

Question 12

Statute of Weatminster

Answer 12

Stated -> The Dáil could pass any laws without interference from Britain
All dominions could change laws that the British had made for them without the approval of Britain

Question 13

Origins of Fianna Fáil

Answer 13

Anti-Treaty Sinn Féin TDs would not swear oath to the King
They could not enter the Dáil
1926-> set up Fianna Fáil (de Valera)

Question 14

Electoral Amendment Act 1927

Answer 14

Stated all TDs must take oath or give up their seats

After this Dev took the oath and entered the Dáil

Question 15

Cumann na nGaedhael became unpopular because…

Answer 15

The Depression: caused by Wall Street Crash, it led to high unemployment
Cutting teachers salary to save money

Question 16

1932 General Election

Fianna Fáil promised to…

Answer 16

Break up the Treaty
Put taxes on imports to encourage more Irish industry (more jobs)
Build houses for those living in slums
Improve pensions for the poor
Fianna Fáil won the election and became the government along with the Labour party

Question 17

Achievements of Cumann na nGaedhael government

Answer 17

Created employment -> agriculture, Shannon Scheme
Rebuilt the country after the Civil War
Economy was repaired
Statute of Westminster -> pass laws/get rid of laws
Established an Garda Síochána
Army Mutiny -> got rid of threat
Special Powers Act
Relations with Britain
Electoral Amendment Act

Question 18

January 1923

Answer 18

Pro-Treaty TDs for Sinn Féin changed name to Cumann na nGaedhael
Leader -> William T Cosgrave
Anti-Treaty TDs kept Sinn Féin name