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Green Against Green: The Irish Civil War

Edgar Allan Poe

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Published in Green Against Green The Irish Civil War: A History Of The Irish Civil War 1922 1923

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The Irish Civil War, a bloody conflict that erupted in the aftermath of the Irish War of Independence, was a bitter struggle between two factions of Irish republicans. On one side were the pro-Treaty forces, who supported the Anglo-Irish Treaty that had established the Irish Free State. On the other side were the anti-Treaty forces, who rejected the Treaty and sought to establish a united republic of Ireland.

The roots of the Civil War can be traced back to the Anglo-Irish War, which had ended in 1921 with the signing of the Anglo-Irish Treaty. The Treaty was a compromise that granted Ireland dominion status within the British Empire, but it also partitioned the island into two separate entities: the Irish Free State and Northern Ireland.

Many Irish republicans were deeply opposed to the Treaty, arguing that it betrayed the goal of a united and independent Ireland. They also feared that the Treaty would lead to the partition of Ireland becoming permanent.

Green Against Green – The Irish Civil War: A History of the Irish Civil War, 1922–1923

by Michael Hopkinson

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	840 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
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Print length	:	540 pages

The pro-Treaty forces, led by Michael Collins, argued that the Treaty was the best that could be achieved under the circumstances. They believed that it gave Ireland a chance to develop into a fully independent state, while also maintaining close ties with Britain.

The Irish Civil War broke out on June 28, 1922, when anti-Treaty forces seized the Four Courts in Dublin. The pro-Treaty government responded by shelling the Four Courts, and the Civil War quickly spread to other parts of the country.

The anti-Treaty forces were initially more successful, capturing several towns and cities. However, the pro-Treaty forces, with their superior numbers and resources, gradually gained the upper hand.

The Civil War was a brutal conflict, with both sides committing atrocities. The pro-Treaty forces were accused of carrying out summary executions and burning down houses, while the anti-Treaty forces were accused of ambushing and killing pro-Treaty soldiers.

The Civil War ended in May 1923, with the defeat of the anti-Treaty forces. Over 4,000 people were killed in the conflict, and many more were injured.

The Civil War left a deep scar on the Irish psyche, and its legacy continues to be debated today. Some historians argue that the Civil War was a necessary step towards Irish independence, while others argue that it was a tragic and avoidable conflict.

June 28, 1922: Anti-Treaty forces seize the Four Courts in Dublin, sparking the outbreak of the Civil War.
July 11, 1922: Pro-Treaty forces shell the Four Courts, beginning the Battle of Dublin.
August 12, 1922: Anti-Treaty forces capture Limerick city.
November 29, 1922: Pro-Treaty forces retake Limerick city.
February 16, 1923: Anti-Treaty forces surrender in Waterford city.
May 24, 1923: Michael Collins, the leader of the pro-Treaty forces, is assassinated.
May 1923: The Civil War ends with the defeat of the anti-Treaty forces.

The Irish Civil War had a profound impact on Irish society and politics. It led to the deaths of thousands of people, and it left a deep scar on the Irish psyche.

The Civil War also had a significant impact on the development of the Irish Free State. The pro-Treaty forces, who emerged victorious from the conflict, went on to form the government of the new state. The anti-Treaty forces, who were defeated in the Civil War, continued to exist as a political force, but they were never able to regain power.

The legacy of the Civil War continues to be debated today. Some historians argue that the Civil War was a necessary step towards Irish independence, while others argue that it was a tragic and avoidable conflict.

The Irish Civil War was a bloody and divisive conflict that had a profound impact on Irish society and politics. It is a reminder of the complex and often tragic history of Ireland, and it is a reminder of the importance of peace and reconciliation.

Green Against Green – The Irish Civil War: A History of the Irish Civil War, 1922–1923

by Michael Hopkinson

4.5 out of 5