Issue 4: The Irish Civil war Flashcards
Introduction
B1- Many in Sinn Fein felt that the treats was the best that could be achieved at the time.
B2- Yet others were furious that Collins had signed the treaty, as they felt the partition of Ireland was unacceptable.
Outline factors
Outline argumeng
Factor 1- The Anglo-Irish Treaty
KU- Ireland was split into two, with six counties in the North and twenty six in the south.
A- This was a problem as one third of the Ulster population was Catholic and wanted to be united with the South and sections of the IRA refused to recognise the new parliament.
A+ - However, the treaty was a welcome to the end of the cycle of violence going in.
KU- During 1920 and 1921, the IRA made frequent raids over the border into Northern Ireland.
A- This was bad as the South still continued to cause problems even though the treaty was signed and violence should have been stopped.
Factor 2- Divisions in the Republican movement
KU- Griffith and Collins supported the treaty as they felt it have a ireland equality with parts of the UK.
A- Collins especially felt that the treaty gave the Irish “freedom to achieve freedom” and that the treaty was just a stepping stone”
A+ - However, De Valera saw otherwise and rejected the treaty.
KU- De Valeras rejection of the treaty caused a partition in Sinn Fein as a lot of De Valeras supporters obviously sided with him.
A- The treaty was pitting Sinn Fein against each other and was leading to a lot of tension within the group.
Factor 3- Role of Michael collins
KU- Collins was a master at war, having led the IRA in their battles against British authority. He played a key role in planning and organising the defence of the new government of the Irish Free State.
A- Collins contributed a lot to the fighting therefore was one of the reasons for the outbreak
KU- Collins defended the treaty by saying it have Ireland“freedom achieve freedom.
A- Collins represented the majority view, and also was responsible for the signing of the treaty which caused the war
Factor 4- Role of Eamon De Valera
KU- De Valera refused to accept the terms of the treaty.
A- His view was important but also led to tension in Sinn Fein as he was the one to speak up about the treaty.
A + - However, he represented a minority.
KU- De Valera had the support of many of the leading figures of the IRA.
A- This made him prepared for war which increased tensions.
Factor 5- Role of British government
KU-
