Problem Of Ireland Under DLG

Question 1

Why had relations begun to deteriorate?

Answer 1

• Easter rising- British rule had intensified, people became increasingly disillusioned under British rule and turned towards more radical groups like Sinn Fein
• rise of Sinn Fein- support shifted from Irish nationalists to Sinn Fein, more radical and reactionary
• the dail- Ireland proclaimed its own independence, created its own parliament
• the IRA- Sinn Fein created its own military under the command of Michael Collins, militant actions, murdered police-had aim of driving British out of Ireland

Question 2

What name was given to the irregular forces used in Ireland

Answer 2

Black and Tans

Question 3

When was the Anglo-Irish war

Answer 3

1919-1921

Question 4

Describe the use of these forces

Answer 4

• Black and Tans
• ex soldiers given name due to the colour of their uniform
• they acted without the normal restraint of regular forces when provoked by shootings and murders
• used to fight the IRA
• seen as extreme and violent
• e.g. in 1920, they burned down large parts of the city of cork, and fired on Gaelic footballers in retaliation for an attack by the IRA on British intelligence officers.
• actions condemned by the US and the League of Nations

Question 5

What was the impact of the use of these soldiers?

Answer 5

While intended to restore order, their actions inflamed Irish public opinion, escalated violence, and drew international condemnation—particularly from the United States.

Question 6

Name of the two treaties

Answer 6

• the government of Ireland act 1920
• the Anglo-Irish treaty

Question 7

Describe the government of Ireland act

Answer 7

• This would partition the north (unionist and Protestant) from the south (nationalist and catholic)
• Sinn Fein rejected this as they wanted full independence
• ulster did set up its own parliament for the six counties near Belfast
• seen as an attempt by Lloyd George to pre empt full independence, but failed to satisfy nationalist aspirations.

Question 8

Describe the Anglo-Irish treaty

Answer 8

• 1921
• signed by Sinn Fein (Michael Collins)
• this would make Ireland a free state and the north would be a small British territory
• therefore made Ireland divided anyway
• very unpopular with many in Sinn Fein- Collins was murdered
• power then went to de Valera
• led to civil war in Southern Ireland between anti-treaty and treaty supporters

Question 9

Summarise why DLG was criticised in Ireland

Answer 9

• use of Black and Tans which increased problems in the Anglo-Irish war
• claims he encouraged war in the south by persuading Collins to sign the treaty
• conservatives didn’t like handing over of Southern Ireland, decline of the empire
• blamed for dividing Ireland