The Irish Civil War Flashcards
What were the causes of the civil war? (6)
Freedom to achieve freedom. Failure to achieve a republic. Take-over of the four courts. British government pressure. General election results. Disagreements over the anglo-Irish treaty.
How did the civil war begin?
The slide towards civil war began when a group of republicans (anti-treaty) took over the four courts in the centre of Dublin in April 1922. This was a direct challenge to the government. the government was also under pressure from the British government who feared that war would break out again.
A general election in June 1922 gave a huge majority in favour of the treaty. This put the free state government in a stronger position. When the Republicans in the four courts captured a free state general, Griffith and Collins decided to attack them.
how did the fighting in Dublin begin?
The free state army, led by collins, borrowed artillery from the British army to shell the four courts. Within two days, the 200 republicans inside surrendered. Fighting continued in the centre of Dublin for a few more days, but the government forces defeated the republicans easily.
Where did the republicans retreat to after the fighting in Dublin and what happened?
The Republicans retreated south of a line from Limerick to Waterford. However, the free state army easily captured Limerick and Waterford. Colins decided to use ships to carry troops to Cork, and to fenit in Kerry. The republicans were now forced to retreat to the countryside.
When did/what two leaders died and how? Who replaced them?
The 2 most important leaders of the free state government died within a short time of each other. Griffith died of a brain haemorrhage on the 12th of August 1922. 10 days later, Collins was killed in an ambush at Béal na Bláth, Co. Cork. W. T. Cosgrave and Kevin O’Higgins became the new leaders of the free state government.
What did the republicans result to? how did this work out? Why didn’t it work?
The republicans now resulted to Guerilla warfare. But they were not as successful as they had been during the war of independence.
Most of the people now supported the treaty.
The free state army knew the countryside as well as the Republicans did.
How did a cease-fire come to be?
Both sides carried out brutal killings. The war dragged on until Liam Lynch, leader of the anti-treaty IRA, was killed in April 1923. Frank Aiken replaced him as chief of staff. Aiken and de Valera decided to call a ceasefire in May 1923.
What were the consequences of the civil war?
Two of the largest political parties grew out of pro/anti-treaty sides.
Ireland lost some of its most able leaders, including Griffith and collins.
Great bitterness, which lasted for decades.
the government executed anti-treaty leaders.
anti-treaty forces assassinated government TDs.
Victory for the government forces reflected the majority opinion of the people.
Strengthened democratic tradition.
Up to 1,500 killed.
Damage to property, the equivalent of €38 million.
Dublin destroyed for the second time in six years.
