Description
Ireland fought for many years, both politically and militarily, to win independence from Great Britain. This seminar will explore why, once independence was finally achieved, the country found itself in a bloody civil war. Historian Jennifer Carbery will show how and why the treaty that ended the civil war left behind a decades-long legacy of mistrust and hurt all over the island.
In 1921, exhausted and with munitions depleted, the Irish rebels fighting for independence agreed to a ceasefire, ending their bloody war with Great Britain. We'll discuss how the resulting treaty established two new entities on the island of Ireland: The Irish Free State and Northern Ireland, which remained under British rule. The pro-treaty Irish believed that the treaty of 1921 was the best compromise attainable, while the anti-treaty faction wanted nothing less than full island independence. British forces remained in Ireland, and some would say their presence forced the hand of the pro-treaty men and women to suppress the anti-treaty agitators. We'll learn how the ensuing Civil War divided the new nation politically and turned Irish men and women against each other in bloody battles that went on for years, which still resonate to this day.
This seminar chronologically follows Jennifer Carbery’s lecture on the Irish War of Independence, but it is not obligatory to participate in both seminars.
About Your Expert
Jennifer works with historical research around Ireland's complex history. She studied Anthropology and History as a mature student and upon completion she worked in Archaeology; digging the land for treasure. She has her own business providing research and content for historic sites, events, and radio. She teaches, assesses, and trains students, guides, and learners in history. She has written several apps for tours within Ireland.
Audience
Not suitable for children under age 13 (sensitive content).
Duration
90 minutes, including a 30 minute Q&A.