Irish Civil War: History, Causes, Executions, & Deaths

Overview

• Date: 1922 - 1923
• Location: Ireland
• Key People: Eamon de Valera, Michael Collins, Arthur Griffith
• Main Conflict: Between supporters of the Anglo-Irish Treaty and those opposed.
• Outcome: Victory for the pro-treaty forces leading to the establishment of the Irish Free State.

Historical Background

• The civil war followed the signing of the Anglo-Irish Treaty which ended the Irish War of Independence.
• The treaty established the Irish Free State as a dominion in the British Empire, causing division primarily because it required an oath of allegiance to the British crown.

The Anglo-Irish Treaty

• Signed: December 6, 1921
• Negotiated by Michael Collins and Arthur Griffith in London.
• Established the Irish Free State with dominion status; Northern Ireland remained a part of the UK.
• The treaty was ratified by the Dil (Irish parliament) by a narrow vote (64 to 57).
• Eamon de Valera and other republicans opposed the treaty.

Creation of the Irish Free State

• The treaty ratification led to the resignation of Eamon de Valera.
• Provisional government established with Michael Collins as chairman.
• The treaty caused a split in Sinn Féin and the Irish Republican Army (IRA).

Civil and Guerrilla War

• The conflict began with the seizure of the Four Courts in Dublin by anti-treaty forces.
• National Army (pro-treaty) gained control over major cities with British support (artillery, vehicles).
• Michael Collins was killed in an ambush in August 1922.
• Guerrilla warfare ensued, with severe measures taken by the government (internment, executions).
• Pro-treaty forces had political and religious backing, leading to their victory.

End of the Civil War

• By early 1923, anti-treaty forces recognized their defeat.
• Ceasefire declared in April 1923, with the formal conclusion in May.
• No formal treaty ended the civil war.
• Casualties: Estimated 1,600 to 2,000 deaths including civilians.

Aftermath

• Eamon de Valera eventually formed the Fianna Fáil party, leading opponents of the treaty into politics.
• Supporters of the treaty formed Fine Gael.
• These two parties became dominant in Irish politics.

Legacy

• The civil war left a lasting impact on Irish society and politics.
• The divisions from the treaty continued to influence Irish political life.

Additional Resources

• National Museum of Ireland, BBC News, History Ireland, RT, GlobalSecurity.org, Queen's University Belfast, University College Cork