Why was there a Civil War in 1922?
Intro.
In June 1922, the army of the new Irish Free State began shelling the Four Courts that had been occupied by a group of anti-Treaty IRA under the leadership of Rory O Connor. This event marked the start of a civil war in Ireland that was to last for nearly a year and resulted in hundreds of deaths, millions of pounds of damage and great bitterness that was to last for decades. The shelling of the Four Courts was the event that sparked the Civil war but the actual causes of the war can be traced back to the previous December with the actual signing of the Anglo-Irish Treaty.
2.
Anglo Irish treaty 1921
Irish free state created
Remain in empire
Own parliament
All TD’s - oath of allegiance
Governor general
Some ports to remain British
3.
Collins and Griffith return home
Treaty causes huge division
First serious split is in cabinet itself
4 in favour / 3 against
Ordinary people - many relieved of no return to war
Newspapers nearly all pro-treaty
Many county councils also in favour
Even Clare co. council in favour (de Valera territory)
4
Special Dail debate
Very strong views put forward by both sides
De Valera anti-treaty
Some TD’s said 1916 leaders betrayed by treaty
Collins pro-treaty
Argued treaty was best deal possible at time
Voted 64-57 in favour
De Valera and followers leave Dail
Split in once powerful Sinn Fein party a reality
5
New provisional government
Collins and Griffith in charge
British begin to leave
Free state army formed
Collins has new constitution drawn up tries to bring all republicans back on board
But first constitution rejected by British
New constitution written
6
Serious split in IRA
Many at HQ remain loyal to Collins
But many ordinary IRA reject treaty
Anti-treaty IRA strongest in Munster
Refuse to obey government
Take control of some army barracks
Tensions build between both sides
Occupy four courts in Dublin
Direct challenge to free state government
Collins did not want to fight “old allies”
7
Reaction of de Valera very important
Withdrew from Dail
Sets up new political organisation
Makes some very controversial speeches
Enemies accused him of stirring up civil war
Allies argued he was merely warning of dangers ahead
Most historians today argue that he was certainly irresponsible
8
June 1922 election
Collins and Griffith elated with results
Huge majority for combined pro-treaty parties
Majority support treaty
But very soon after this - important event occurs
Free state army general o Connell kidnapped
Four courts IRA responsible
Collins demands his release - refused
Ordered shelling of four courts at end June 1922
Even though “not the first shots of the civil war, they marked the point of no return”
Start of civil war that would have very serious consequences for the new Irish Free State
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