Irish Independence (1916-1923)

Key Events

1. 1916 Rising
2. War of Independence
3. Foundation of Northern Ireland
4. Anglo-Irish Treaty
5. Irish Civil War

Exam Analysis

• Junior Cycle exam question in 2022 worth 18 marks focused specifically on the Irish Civil War.
• Importance of preparing to write comprehensive accounts of key historical events (1916-1923).
• Suggested structure for exam answers:
  • Background/Causes: 2 developed points
  • Course of Events: 2 developed points
  • Impact/Consequences: 2 developed points

1916 Rising

• Background:

  • Rise of nationalism and unionism.
  • John Redmond and the Home Rule Party; appeal for Irish support in WWI.
  • IRB's military council planning the uprising; need for weapons from Germany.

• Course:

  • Occurred on Easter Monday, 24th April 1916.
  • Key figures: Patrick Pearse, Thomas Clarke, James Connolly.
  • Key locations: GPO, Boland's Mill, Royal College of Surgeons.
  • British response: Deployment of 20,000 soldiers, use of gunboat Helga.

• Consequences:

  • Execution of leaders led to a shift from public anger to sympathy for rebels.
  • Rise of Sinn Féin party and decline of Home Rule Party.
  • Shift towards seeking full independence.

War of Independence (1919-1921)

• Beginning:

  • Initiated by the Soloheadbeg ambush on 21st January 1919 by Dan Breen and Sean Tracey.

• Tactics:

  • Guerrilla warfare by IRA.
  • Michael Collins' role as Director of Intelligence.
  • Formation of "The Squad" to eliminate British spies.

• British Response:

  • Deployment of Black and Tans and Auxiliaries.
  • Notable events: Burning of Cork, Bloody Sunday (21st Nov 1920).

• Conclusion:

  • Truce called on 11th July 1921 leading to anglo-irish treaty negotiations.

Foundation of Northern Ireland

• Government of Ireland Act 1920:
  • Partitioned Ireland: Establishment of Northern Ireland with its own parliament.
  • Sectarian violence ensued between unionists and nationalists.

Anglo-Irish Treaty (1921)

• Negotiations:

  • Sinn Féin's goal for full independence; British aim to retain Ireland in the Commonwealth.
  • Key figures: Michael Collins, Arthur Griffiths, Eamon Duggan.

• Terms:

  • Creation of Irish Free State within British Commonwealth.
  • Oath of allegiance to the British crown.
  • Establishment of boundary commission.

Irish Civil War (1922-1923)

• Causes:

  • Division over acceptance of the Anglo-Irish Treaty.

• Fighting:

  • Pro-treaty forces (Irish Free State Army) vs. Anti-treaty forces (Republicans).
  • Key events: Shelling of the Four Courts, death of Michael Collins.

• Consequences:

  • Formation of political parties: Cumann na nGaedheal (later Fine Gael) and Fianna Fáil.
  • Death and destruction, creation of a bitter political legacy.
  • Establishment of new Irish Free State constitution and institutions.

Study Recommendations

• Practice writing answers for each major event using the structured format given.
• Focus on understanding causes, course, and consequences of each event to prepare for potential exam questions.