PWN 1- Changing Relations: Northern Ireland & its Neighbours 1920-49 Flashcards
(143 cards)
1
Q
What are the two regions into which Ireland was divided by the Government of Ireland Act, 1920?
A
Northern Ireland (6 counties) and Southern Ireland (26 counties)
This division created distinct political entities within the island of Ireland.
2
Q
What type of government structure was established for each region under the Government of Ireland Act, 1920?
A
Each region will have its own parliament with a House of Commons and a Senate
This structure was intended to allow local control over issues such as transport, health, and education.
3
Q
What powers were retained by Westminster under the Government of Ireland Act, 1920?
A
Defence, military, taxation, and foreign policy
Westminster maintained significant control over critical areas affecting both regions.
4
Q
What voting system was implemented under the Government of Ireland Act, 1920?
A
Proportional Representation
This system aimed to ensure that all groups in society were represented in the parliaments.
5
Q
What was the title of the representative of the crown in Ireland according to the Government of Ireland Act, 1920?
A
Viceroy (later changed to Governor of Northern Ireland)
This position was intended to symbolize the British monarchy’s authority in Ireland.
6
Q
What was the purpose of the Council of Ireland established by the Government of Ireland Act, 1920?
A
To negotiate one parliament for the whole of Ireland with representatives from both sides of the border
The Council had the potential to gain more power if agreement was reached between both regions.
7
Q
Who replaced Edward Carson as the leader of the Northern Unionists?
A
James Craig
James Craig became the first Prime Minister of Northern Ireland.
8
Q
How did Northern Unionists feel about the Government of Ireland Act, 1920?
A
Satisfied, as they had a Protestant majority and control over their own affairs
They believed this would help maintain the Union without interference from Dublin.
9
Q
What concerns did Northern Nationalists have regarding the division of Ireland?
A
They felt they were a minority, feared discrimination, and wanted to see a unified Parliament based in Dublin
Northern Nationalists were generally opposed to the partition and its implications for their rights.
10
Q
What was the reaction of Southern Nationalists to the Government of Ireland Act, 1920?
A
They believed a Parliament limited by Westminster gave too little power
Southern Nationalists sought greater autonomy and control over local governance.
11
Q
What was the stance of Irish Republicans towards the Government of Ireland Act, 1920?
A
They refused to acknowledge it and continued violence
This refusal contributed to the ongoing conflict and unrest in Ireland.
12
Q
What concerns did Southern Unionists express following the Government of Ireland Act, 1920?
A
They felt abandoned and worried about being a minority in the southern Parliament
Southern Unionists were anxious about their representation and rights in the new political landscape.
13
Q
True or False: The Council of Ireland became a functioning body after the Government of Ireland Act, 1920.
A
False
The Council became defunct due to the lack of agreement and ongoing tensions.
14
Q
What was the outcome of the May 1921 elections in Ireland?
A
Sinn Fein ignored the new Dublin parliament and created their own Dail Eireann
This was in response to the Government of Ireland Act.
15
Q
What significant agreement was signed in December 1921?
A
The Anglo-Irish Treaty was signed
It established the 26 counties as the Irish Free State and a member of the British Commonwealth.
16
Q
What was the status of the Irish Free State in terms of independence?
A
It was not full independence but better than the Government of Ireland Act
The Irish Free State had its own parliament and army.
17
Q
What oath did members of the Dail have to swear?
A
An oath of allegiance to the king
Members were part of the British Empire.
18
Q
What role did the Governor General have in the Irish Free State?
A
To represent the crown in Ireland
The Governor General was a British appointed official.
19
Q
Which ports were controlled by the British military under the Anglo-Irish Treaty?
A
Cobh, Berehaven, and Lough Swilly
These ports remained under British control.
20
Q
What legal recourse did Irish Free State citizens have regarding court decisions?
A
They could appeal decisions to the Privy Council
The Privy Council was a higher court in the British Empire.
21
Q
What was a major point of contention within Republicanism after the Treaty?
A
Britain’s continued influence over the Free State
Many resented this influence and the northern nationalists.
22
Q
What did Sinn Fein hope for after accepting the Anglo-Irish Treaty?
A
Increased political independence and reunification in the future
The Treaty included a promise of a boundary commission.
23
Q
What was the purpose of the Boundary Commission set up in 1924?
A
To monitor the border between north and south
Its creation was delayed due to civil war and NI’s refusal to participate.
24
Q
What decision did the Boundary Commission make regarding the border?
A
To maintain the status quo regarding the border areas
The Irish Free State would not gain any territory.
25
What did the Boundary Commission abandon concerning Northern Ireland?
Land annuities for NI
## Footnote
This was part of the Commission's decision.
26
What was the consequence of the Boundary Commission's failure to change the NI border?
Partition would be permanent
## Footnote
Nationalist MPs took their seats in Belfast.
27
What political party came to power in 1932 in Ireland?
Fianna Fail
## Footnote
Fianna Fail, led by Eamon de Valera, sought to dismantle the Anglo-Irish Treaty.
28
What was the goal of de Valera regarding the Anglo-Irish Treaty?
To break all links with Britain and dismantle the treaty
## Footnote
De Valera opposed the treaty since 1921 as a Republican.
29
Why did de Valera want the return of the Treaty Ports?
He saw them as a way of keeping links to Britain
## Footnote
The Treaty Ports were strategic locations that maintained British influence.
30
What did de Valera believe about Eire's independence?
Eire should be independent from Britain
## Footnote
This belief drove his actions to dismantle the Anglo-Irish Treaty.
31
What was one of the most unfair parts of the Anglo-Irish Treaty according to de Valera?
The remaining political and symbolic links with Britain
## Footnote
De Valera aimed to change these unfair aspects.
32
What did de Valera promise in his election manifesto of 1932?
To break the remaining links with Britain
## Footnote
This promise was central to his campaign and subsequent actions.
33
What significant action did de Valera take regarding land annuities in 1933?
He stopped paying land annuities
## Footnote
This action was part of dismantling financial ties with Britain.
34
What happened to the Governor General's powers in 1933?
The powers were reduced and the post was abolished in 1937
## Footnote
This was a step towards reducing British influence in Ireland.
35
What was the Removal of the Oath Act of 1933?
It meant the oath to the king was no longer necessary
## Footnote
This act removed a significant symbolic link to British monarchy.
36
What change was made regarding the British Privy Council in 1933?
Citizens could no longer appeal Irish court verdicts to the British Privy Council
## Footnote
This change was justified through the 1931 Statute of Westminster.
37
What was the significance of the External Relations Act passed in 1936?
It ended the King's official role within the Free State
## Footnote
Despite this, Ireland remained a member of the Commonwealth in legal terms.
38
What was the name of the new constitution introduced by de Valera in 1937?
Bunreacht na hÉireann
## Footnote
This constitution marked a significant shift from the Irish Free State to Eire.
39
What title was given to the head of government in Eire under the 1937 constitution?
Taoiseach
## Footnote
This title is used for the Prime Minister of Ireland.
40
What was the role of the President in Eire as per the 1937 constitution?
Mainly ceremonial head of state, elected every 7 years
## Footnote
The President's role is largely symbolic.
41
Which language became the official language of the state in Eire after 1937?
Irish
## Footnote
This was part of the efforts to promote Irish culture.
42
According to the 1937 constitution, what special position was given to the Catholic Church?
'A special position' as the guardian of the faith professed by the majority
## Footnote
This reflects the influence of Catholicism in Irish society.
43
What did Article II of the 1937 constitution claim?
Dublin had the right to rule over the whole Island (32 counties), including NI
## Footnote
This article asserted a claim over Northern Ireland.
44
What limitation did Article III of the 1937 constitution impose?
Eire's laws would only apply to the 26 counties until the end of partition
## Footnote
This acknowledges the division of Ireland.
45
What was the voter turnout and acceptance margin for the referendum on the 1937 constitution?
Over 30% did not vote; accepted by only a small margin
## Footnote
This indicates a lack of consensus on the constitution.
46
Why did de Valera avoid declaring Eire a republic?
To avoid alienating Northern nationalists, unionists, and the British
## Footnote
He aimed to maintain unity and honor those who fought for an all-Ireland Republic.
47
What effect did de Valera's failure to declare a republic have on political divisions?
Reinforced the old divisions and bitterness between pro-Treaty and anti-Treaty factions
## Footnote
This reflects the lingering conflict from the Civil War.
48
How did the interaction between Britain and Éire change after the 1937 constitution?
Did not deteriorate as much as expected; Britain accepted the changes for pragmatic reasons
## Footnote
Initial souring of relations was followed by a pragmatic acceptance.
49
What actions taken by de Valera were protested by the British between 1932 and 1937?
The alterations to the terms of the Anglo-Irish Treaty
50
What did the British claim regarding the Irish Free State's ability to alter the Anglo-Irish Treaty?
It could not alter the terms except by mutual consent
51
What were the initial issues that soured relations between Britain and Eire?
The Governor-General and the External Relations Act
52
Why did the British later accept the changes made by de Valera?
They deemed the changes relatively unimportant and were distracted by other problems
53
What uncertainty did the British have regarding Eire?
Whether Eire remained in the Commonwealth or not
54
What major European event worried Britain in 1936?
The abdication crisis and Nazi aggression
55
Why did Britain not want a hostile Irish Free State?
War in Europe seemed likely
56
What actions did de Valera take to show British disregard for the democratic will?
Held elections and a referendum
57
Who disagreed with de Valera's actions in Northern Ireland?
Nationalists
58
What effect did the new constitution have on the likelihood of a United Ireland according to Nationalists?
It made a United Ireland less likely
59
What did Northern Nationalists feel disappointed about regarding Éire's government?
It did not protect their interests
60
What did Northern Nationalists believe about de Valera's intentions for a United Ireland?
He would not push for a united Ireland
61
What specific criticisms did the Unionist government at Stormont have about the new constitution?
Article II, the special position of the Catholic Church, the importance of the Irish language, and the removal of references to the British monarch
62
How were relations between Northern Ireland and the Irish Free State characterized?
Very poor, with communication done via London
63
What did the Constitution reinforce for Unionists regarding the Free State?
Their fears and determination to achieve closer links with Britain
64
True or False: Unionists felt that Britain could count on them even if de Valera was anti-British.
True
65
What was the outcome of the snap election called by Lord Craigavon in 1938?
An increased Unionist majority at Stormont
## Footnote
This election was part of a strategy to reinforce Unionist control in Northern Ireland.
66
What sentiment did Unionists feel towards the British government during this period?
Aggrieved for not stopping de Valera's dismantling of the Treaty
## Footnote
This dissatisfaction contributed to a growing sense of insecurity among Unionists.
67
What was the general election called by Sir James Craig in 1938 aimed at?
Strengthening the Unionist Party's majority in Northern Ireland's parliament
## Footnote
The election was also intended to signal disapproval of de Valera's actions.
68
Who was the leader of the Unionist Party and Prime Minister of Northern Ireland during the 1938 election?
Sir James Craig
## Footnote
His leadership was pivotal in the context of Unionist politics at the time.
69
Fill in the blank: Unionist insecurities and _______ mentality increased during this period.
siege
## Footnote
This reflects the heightened tensions and defensive posture of Unionists.
70
What was one of Sir James Craig's objectives in calling the 1938 election?
To put their position ‘beyond doubt’
## Footnote
This indicates a desire for clarity and strength in Unionist political standing.
71
What were the Land Annuities?
Payments made by Eire to Britain, which were resented by Irish farmers.
## Footnote
These payments were perceived as unjust by farmers who believed they owned the land.
72
Why did Eire stop payment of Land Annuities in 1933?
Because the payments were resented by Irish farmers and were promised to be stopped by de Valera during the 1932 election campaign.
73
What was de Valera's argument regarding Land Annuities?
He claimed that the Irish economy could not afford to pay due to the depression and that Eire should be treated the same as Northern Ireland.
## Footnote
Northern Ireland was allowed to keep its Land Annuities as a free gift.
74
How much were the Land Annuities worth annually?
£5 million per year.
75
What action did Britain take in response to Eire's refusal to pay Land Annuities?
Britain imposed a 20% tax on Irish imports.
76
What was de Valera's retaliation against Britain's tax?
He imposed a 20% tax on goods coming from Britain to Eire.
77
What types of goods were affected by the trade restrictions?
* Livestock
* Coal
* Cement
* Electrical goods
* Machinery
* Iron and steel
78
What was de Valera hoping to achieve by making British goods more expensive?
He hoped to encourage Irish people to start their own businesses and produce similar goods more cheaply.
79
What did de Valera do to demonstrate public support for his actions during the Economic War?
He launched a propaganda campaign and held an election in 1933.
80
What were de Valera's aims during the Economic War?
* Achieve self-sufficiency in agriculture
* Encourage diversity in agriculture
* Promote entrepreneurship
81
True or False: De Valera believed that the Economic War would only cause financial problems.
False
82
How did de Valera view the Economic War in the context of British control?
He saw it as part of his political campaign against continued British control.
83
What percentage of Irish goods were sold to Britain?
90%
## Footnote
This high dependency on Britain significantly impacted the Free State economy.
84
How much did Eire lose due to the decline in export markets?
£48 million
## Footnote
This loss was a major factor affecting the agricultural sector.
85
What was the impact of import taxes on Irish goods?
Made Irish goods too expensive
## Footnote
This particularly affected farmers and their ability to sell products.
86
By what percentage did the demand for cattle fall?
35%
## Footnote
This decline led to significant financial distress for farmers.
87
What happened to some cattle due to overproduction?
Some cattle had to be killed
## Footnote
This was a direct consequence of a drop in beef and dairy exports.
88
What action did the government take to compensate farmers?
Increased taxes
## Footnote
This was necessary due to the economic strain on the agricultural sector.
89
What crops were Irish farmers encouraged to grow?
Wheat and sugar beet
## Footnote
This was aimed at achieving self-sufficiency but faced challenges.
90
What was the effect of crop substitution on traditional crops?
Grown at the expense of other crops like barley
## Footnote
This limited the overall agricultural diversity and success.
91
Who benefited from the cancellation of land annuities?
Small scale farmers
## Footnote
This provided some relief amid broader economic struggles.
92
What was the trend in imports to the Free State from Great Britain between 1932-38?
Fell steadily
## Footnote
This decline further affected the Free State's economy.
93
What crisis did Eire face by 1935?
Balance of payments crisis
## Footnote
This was due to agricultural exports being a main part of the economy.
94
How did the industry sector fare compared to agriculture?
Not quite as badly hit, but not massively successful
## Footnote
The industrial sector struggled with high costs and lack of growth.
95
What were the raw materials that were too expensive for Irish industry?
Coal, steel, and iron
## Footnote
These high costs hindered the growth of the industry and transport system.
96
What was the trend in unemployment from 1931 to 1935?
Increased from 29,000 to 138,000
## Footnote
This significant rise indicates worsening economic conditions.
97
What happened to exports during this period?
Declined from £750,000 to £500,000 per year
## Footnote
This decline contributed to the trade deficit.
98
What was the trend in the cost of living during this period?
Increased
## Footnote
This increase contributed to a decline in the standard of living.
99
What was the impact of the Economic War on cross-border trade with Northern Ireland?
Declined due to 20% taxes
## Footnote
This affected Northern Ireland's prosperity.
100
What was one consequence of the decline in imports from Northern Ireland to the Free State?
Increase in smuggling
## Footnote
Smuggling became a method to avoid tax duties.
101
How did Northern Irish farmers benefit during this period?
British bought from them instead
## Footnote
This shift in trade helped some farmers amid the economic difficulties.
102
What effect did the war have on the relationship between Northern Ireland and Eire?
Created further division between Unionists and Eire
## Footnote
Unionists viewed the war as an attempt by de Valera to destroy the treaty and end partition.
103
How did the war strengthen partition?
Border areas were 'cut-off' from border markets and trade between NI and Eire was affected
## Footnote
The war led to increased isolation of communities near the border.
104
What was the Unionists' reaction to Britain's agreement with Eire in 1938?
Angry over the generous terms given to Eire
## Footnote
This agreement was perceived as a betrayal by Unionists.
105
How did Northern Ireland farmers benefit during the war?
Provided Britain with goods no longer supplied by the Irish Free State
## Footnote
This increased demand for agricultural products from Northern Ireland.
106
What was the impact of the Economic War on Eire's relations with Britain?
Led to a deterioration in relations
## Footnote
The Economic War caused economic tensions between the two countries.
107
How did the Economic War affect unemployment in Britain?
Increased in some parts, particularly ports handling trade with Eire
## Footnote
Certain regions faced economic challenges due to reduced trade.
108
What concerns did Welsh mine owners express during the Economic War?
Fears of losing the Irish market to other coal importers
## Footnote
The war disrupted traditional trade routes and markets.
109
What was the overall economic impact of the Economic War on Britain?
Not seen as a major economic issue
## Footnote
Despite some localized effects, Britain's economy remained diverse.
110
What was the change in Britain's share of the Irish Free State market from 1932 to 1935?
Fell from 76% in 1932 to 54% in 1935
## Footnote
This decline indicates the impact of the Economic War on trade.
111
What was one consequence of the shortage of imported Irish beef and dairy products?
Growth in the local peat industry in the Irish Free State
## Footnote
Small-scale farmers also benefited from reduced land annuities payments.
112
What agreement marked the start of a more friendly relationship between Britain and Eire?
The Coal-Cattle Pact in 1935
## Footnote
This pact included mutual agreements on cattle and coal trade.
113
What was the strategic importance of the Treaty Ports for Britain?
Helped end the Economic War and win Eire's support in a future war
## Footnote
Chamberlain recognized the need for positive relations with Eire.
114
What led to the end of the Economic War?
The Anglo-Irish Agreement of 1938
## Footnote
This agreement included separate agreements on finance, trade, and defence.
115
What did both countries agree to in terms of trade after the Economic War?
Removed 20% import taxes on each other's goods
## Footnote
They also guaranteed better treatment of each other's exports for three years.
116
What rights did Éire have regarding imports from Britain?
Allowed to impose duties on a number of imports to protect new industries
## Footnote
This was part of Éire's strategy to develop its economy.
117
What lump sum did Eire agree to pay Britain for land annuities?
£10 million
## Footnote
This settlement was for claims estimated to be worth £78 million.
118
What significant action did Britain take regarding the Treaty Ports?
Returned the Treaty Ports
## Footnote
This action ended British interference in Eire's affairs.
119
How did the return of the Treaty Ports affect British military presence in Eire?
Removed the last British military force from Eire
120
What economic issue did De Valera aim to resolve by ending the Economic War?
The massive impact on Eire's economy
121
In what year did De Valera propose ending the Economic War?
1937
122
What were the two main issues damaging relations between Ireland and Britain by 1938?
* Treaty Ports
* Economic War
123
What was De Valera's belief regarding Britain's control of the Treaty Ports?
* Undermined Eire's ability to develop her own foreign policy
* Weakened her claim of independence
124
What was Neville Chamberlain's primary concern when signing the Anglo-Irish Agreement?
Potentially dangerous events in Europe, especially German aggression
125
What strategic importance did Chamberlain associate with the Treaty Ports?
Their potential use for the British Navy in the Atlantic
126
What did Chamberlain hope to achieve by appeasing Éire?
Make Éire less hostile to Britain and secure its help in a future war
127
Why were some British politicians concerned about returning the Treaty Ports?
Loss of strategic contribution to Britain's defence policy
128
What was a reason some British politicians supported the return of the Treaty Ports?
They were run-down and would be expensive to refurbish
129
What was the status of the ports during the time period mentioned?
They were rarely used, with only 4 ships currently anchored there
## Footnote
The ports were unlikely to be used during a war unless Eire permitted their use.
130
What was Chamberlain's belief regarding de Valera and the ports?
Chamberlain believed de Valera would allow British access to the ports if a war occurred
## Footnote
This belief was based on the context of improving relations.
131
How did the Economic War impact the British economy according to Chamberlain?
It was hurting the British economy, although not to the same extent as Eire
## Footnote
Chamberlain acknowledged the economic difficulties caused by the war.
132
What was de Valera's reaction to the financial settlement and its implications?
De Valera was delighted with the outcome, which improved relations between Britain and Eire
## Footnote
It reinforced Eire's independence and allowed for a policy of neutrality during the war.
133
What were the main components of the Anglo-Irish Agreement signed in April 1938?
The agreement included finance, trade, and defence agreements
## Footnote
Both countries removed the 20% taxes on each other's goods.
134
What lump sum did Eire agree to pay Britain as part of the settlement?
Eire agreed to pay a lump sum of £10 million for land annuities
## Footnote
These land annuities were estimated to be worth £78 million.
135
What was returned to Britain as part of the Anglo-Irish Agreement?
Britain returned the three Treaty Ports: Berehaven, Cobh, and Lough Swilly
## Footnote
There was no specific assurance that Britain would have the use of them in time.
136
How did the Agreement affect relations between Britain and Eire?
It received a favourable response and improved relations at a time of growing threat of war
## Footnote
The agreement was seen as part of Chamberlain's appeasement policy.
137
What concerns did Unionists have about the Anglo-Irish Agreement?
Unionists were concerned it might lead to the end of partition
## Footnote
They believed the apparent improvement in British-Irish relations was threatening.
138
What was Churchill's criticism regarding the return of the Treaty Ports?
Churchill criticized the return, believing Eire would not allow Britain to use them during a future war
## Footnote
His skepticism was reinforced when World War II broke out.
139
What did de Valera ask for in response to the return of the Treaty Ports?
De Valera asked for a declaration against partition
## Footnote
The British refused to give this declaration, disappointing Chamberlain.
140
Fill in the blank: The Anglo-Irish Agreement was signed in _______.
April 1938
141
True or False: The return of the Treaty Ports was met with unanimous approval in Britain.
False
## Footnote
It faced criticism, particularly from Winston Churchill.
142
Fill in the blank: The Economic War was more damaging to _______ than to Britain.
Eire
143
What argument did Craigavon make regarding the Treaty Ports?
He argued that their return would weaken the security of both Eire and Britain
## Footnote
This concern was voiced by Unionist leaders.
