Irish War of Independence

The execution of the leaders of the 1916 Rebellion changed the political situation in Ireland forever. The momentum from the Rising brought huge political developments in 1917 and 1918 culminating with the overwhelming victory of Sinn Fein in the 1918 election on a platform of separation from Britain and the setting up of an Irish Parliament.
In January 1919 the first Dail Eireann met and approved a provisional constitution for an Irish Republic. The British refused to recognize the Irish Republic and the Irish War of Independence began that same day.
There were three phases to the war. The first phase involved attacks against British police and army personnel, and British institutions in Ireland. Phase two is often referred to as the “Tan War” as the county was flooded with British troops referred to as the Black and Tans. The third phase is remembered as the period when the IRA ‘flying squads’ made devastating attacks against the British which resulted in Truce talks and eventually a Treaty. The course will include audio visual materials. All students will receive a PowerPoint presentation for each class.