Issue 4: The Irish Civil War Flashcards
Divisions in Republican Movement
Key factual Content:
•Arthur Griffith supported treaty; felt it gave Ireland equality with other parts of UK.
•Collins supported treaty; now Ireland had elected Government.
•De Valera opposed it - not full independence - and felt it should be resisted even if it meant Civil War, resigned as President.
•More aggressive resistance eg. Sean MacEntee, Liam Lynch.
•Anti-treaty IRA took over some important buildings in Dublin, eg Four Courts.
•Murder of Sir Henry Wilson forced Collins and official IRA to attack the “Irregular IRA”.
The Anglo-Irish Treaty
Key factual Content:
•Ireland to be “Irish Free State”, make its own laws but remain in Empire.
•Role of Governor General, Britain to remove forces but keep use of naval bases
Trade issues were settled, beneficial to the economic well-being of Ireland.
•Lloyd George threatened Irish delegation with war if they did not sign.
•Collins signed treaty reluctantly, De Valera used it as propaganda.
Analysis:
•Treaty favoured by the majority of the lrish people.
•Seen (optimistically) as a welcome end to cycle of violence.
•Opinion divided between Britain and Ireland, but also amongst Nationalists.
•Continuing presence of British military (eg. naval bases) caused anger for Republicans.
Role of Michael Collins
Key factual Content:
•Collins claimed Ireland had its own, elected government, so Britain no longer the enemy.
•Defended the treaty as he claimed it gave Ireland “freedom to achieve freedom”.
•Claimed that the elections after the treaty show he has support of the people so should not give in to the armed minority.
Analysis:
•Collins important as he represented the majority view, but did appear to change his
position over partition and independence as a practical measure for progress.
•Collins also important in terms of his own personal contribution - effective, active and
very popular.
Role of Eamon De Valera
Key factual Content:
•De Valera refused to accept terms of the treaty and felt he should have been consulted.
•Claimed that treaty meant partition of Ireland and abandonment of sovereignty.
•Resigned as President, giving more authority to Collins, but splitting the party.
Analysis:
•De Valera important though his was minority view, but stayed true to principles.
•Collins and De Valera tried but failed to reach a compromise to avoid war in part
because De Valera was more politically aware and planned more effectively - even
prepared to go to jail over points of principle.
Role of the British Government
Key factual Content:
•Government of Ireland Act 1920, split Ireland in two, 6 counties in North 26 in south.
•Ulster Special Constabulary, Special Powers Act, Local Government Emergency Powers Act.
•Insistence on maintaining a role for the British royal family, giving Ireland some
independence, but NOT a Republic.
Analysis:
•British government and laws still applied in Ireland - seen as undue influence.
•British concerns over maintaining dominion status, and military bases (eg. for navy) increased tensions between British government and the Dail in Dublin.
