Irish War for Independence

The Irish War for Independence was a conflict between Great Britain and the declared government of Ireland.

The Conflict

Prelude

The tensions that grew to the conflict began before the Great War. Ireland was granted dominion status with the Home Rule Act in 1914. Despite the demand from the greater Irish population, the citizens of the Ulster counties, being predominantly Protestant, remained dedicated to the British crown. They formed the Ulster Volunteer Force to fight against any effort of home rule. Before a civil war could break out in Ireland, Bulgaria invaded Serbia, sparking the Great War.

Great Britain was forced to sue for peace after being defeated in most theaters against the German Empire. The British government passed controversial legislation levying taxes against their colonies and dominions to pay for the reparations. Ireland demanded these taxes be rescinded, and threatened secession. Some in the Irish government even threatened an alliance with Germany, going as far as discussing an offer to Prince Joachim of Prussia to be King of Ireland. Britain relented, and an agreement was made. Ireland was elevated to an equal status with Britain with the Anglo-Irish Treaty, creating a dual monarchy as the Anglo-Irish Empire in 1925.

That same year, the Irish Parliament attempted to pass a resolution condemning the persecution of the Quebecois in Canada, seeing similarities between Quebec and Ireland. King George V refused to give Royal Ascent to the proclamation, siding with the British Parliament in 1926. In 1929, Irish separatists won the majority in the Irish Parliament, with Eamon de Valera being named Prime Minister. De Valera immediately began to strip Irish loyalty to the British crown, angering the British. The response was a crack down from the Royal Constabulary, which many argued violated the Anglo-Irish Treaty and Ireland's individual authority. In 1933, tensions escalated into clashes between paramilitary groups and the police.

The Engagement

Much of the fighting came down to paramilitary units at first, with fighting being done i the major cities such as Dublin and Belfast.

Outcome

Ireland managed to secure its independence with the ascension of King Edward VIII in 1936. Stanley Baldwin, the Prime Minister of Britain, was forced to resign. The Anglo-Irish Empire was subsequently dissolved.

Aftermath

King Edward VIII, despite calls for his abdication, was convinced to remain on the throne. He called for a general election in 1937. The British Union of Fascists, backed by Germany and Italy, wins, with Oswald Mosley becoming Prime Minister.

Conflict Type

War

Battlefield Type

Land

Start Date

1933

Ending Date

1936

Belligerents

Irish Separatists

British Police, Irish Loyalists

Strength

Casualties

Objectives

To create an independent Republic of Ireland.

Restore order and maintain the union of the Anglo-Irish Empire.