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Overview of Irish Independence Events

May 27, 2025

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.