History The Irish War Of Independence Questions Medium
The Irish War of Independence, which took place from 1919 to 1921, was a significant period in Irish history. Several major events occurred during this time, shaping the course of the conflict and ultimately leading to the establishment of the Irish Free State. Here are some of the key events:
1. Soloheadbeg Ambush (January 21, 1919): Considered the starting point of the war, this ambush by the Irish Republican Army (IRA) resulted in the deaths of two Royal Irish Constabulary (RIC) officers. It marked the first armed action of the conflict.
2. Formation of the Dáil Éireann (January 21, 1919): On the same day as the Soloheadbeg Ambush, the Irish revolutionary leaders established the Dáil Éireann, an Irish parliament that declared Ireland's independence from Britain.
3. Guerrilla Warfare: The IRA adopted guerrilla warfare tactics, including ambushes, assassinations, and attacks on British forces and infrastructure. These actions aimed to weaken British control and gain support for Irish independence.
4. Burning of the Custom House (May 25, 1921): In a significant blow to British administration, the IRA set fire to the Custom House in Dublin, destroying important government records and symbolizing the resistance against British rule.
5. Anglo-Irish Treaty (December 6, 1921): Negotiations between British and Irish representatives led to the signing of the Anglo-Irish Treaty. The treaty established the Irish Free State, granting limited independence to Ireland while still remaining part of the British Empire.
6. Split in the Republican Movement: The signing of the Anglo-Irish Treaty caused a deep divide within the Irish republican movement. Those who supported the treaty, led by Michael Collins, formed the pro-treaty side, while those who opposed it, led by Éamon de Valera, formed the anti-treaty side.
7. Irish Civil War (1922-1923): The division over the Anglo-Irish Treaty led to a bitter civil war between pro-treaty and anti-treaty forces. The conflict resulted in significant casualties and further political divisions within Ireland.
These major events, along with numerous smaller engagements and political developments, shaped the course of the Irish War of Independence and ultimately led to the establishment of the Irish Free State in 1922.