EXAM QUESTION BASED: How Irish Gov. tackled issues 1923 - 1945

The Establishment of the Irish Free State

The Irish Free State officially came into existence on Dec 6 1922, exactly a year after the signing of the Anglo-Irish Treaty 1921. The Civil War was still ongoing and didn’t end until 1923. Power was handed to the pro-Treaty leaders under Cosgrave

Cumann na nGaedheal

Cosgrave joined all the pro-Treaty TDs together in early 1923 to form a new party called Cumann na nGaedheal.

Home Rule Split

The initial Home Rule group was now split due to the treaty.

• Pro-treaty - C na G (Became Fine Gael in 1933)

• Anti-treaty - SF (Became Fianna Fáil in 1926)

Restoring law and order in Ireland.

This was a major challenge for C na G.

The Civil War ended in early 1923 but acts of violence continued to occur as many anti-Treaty republicans refused to recognise the authority of the Dáil.

Kevin O’Higgins was responsible for stabilising the country

What was done to restore law and order

Public safety acts passed in 1923/24, which gave Gov. extensive power, especially for arrests.

Garda Síochána set up in 1922 to replace the R.I.C. They were unarmed; Michael Staines was the first commissioner but was replaced by Eoin O’ Duffy. 5,000 unarmed Garda did the job of 10,000 armed RIC.

Court System refined with the Courts of Justice Act (1924). This introduced a new court system (district - circuit - high - supreme). System showed continuity,

Army Mutiny.

Another major challenge for C na G, it was an important step to consolidating democracy. Army changed to that of a peace one

C na G reduced army from 55,000 -> 13,000 and officers from 3,500 ->2,000

Some were disappointed with a lack of progress towards a Republic, and many felt targeted for demobilisation as former IRA-men.

Response to Mutiny

Tobin and Dalton sent an ultimatum to Cosgrave outlining their grievances. O’ Higgins took charge and ordered their arrest. Also ensured the mutineers that an enquiry into the army as well as army pension would be set up

In the end, Gov’s control over army was strengthened, but at a cost. 2 ministers (Mulcahy and McGrath) resigned over it and 8 TDs withdrew support.

C na G and Education

A new department of education set up to replace National and Intermediate Boards of Education.

1926: School Attendance Act introduced - compulsory attendance from 6-14. Despite this, 90% didn’t go past primary

Intermediate and LC exams established

Schools now given grants by Department of Education.

C na G and Gender

Cumann na mBan was attached to SF and the IRA but during 1920s, women played little part in public affairs.

Women at work usually earned less and their role as wives and mothers was prioritised.

C na G Economic Policies.

Anglo-Irish Treaty (1921) gave Free State full economic independence, but they were still reliant on the British Market.

Ernest Blythe was Minister of Finance, and took advice from Joseph Brennan and JJ Mc Elligot.

The economic policy was conservative, where they wanted to keep tax and gov. expenditure low, avoid borrowing and balance the budget.

C na G Goals for Economy

C na G faced very high expectations. They needed to reverse the economic decline of the 19th century (from famine and emigration). They wanted to end emigration to increase population, and protect small Irish industry with tariffs.

Difficulties for C na G economically

C na G faced difficulties with their economic goals. Partition meant the loss of Ireland’s industrial region, T

he Civil War lead to destruction of property and transport, and there were high costs after years of emigration and unemployment (old age pension)

Government took many actions in order to repair the Irish economy, although their success was questionable.

Fianna Fáil and Economy.

Faced similar difficulties to C and G, being lack of raw materials, partition, and high competition. These issues were further aggravated by 1929 Economic Crash

FF’s solution focused on Self-sufficiency and Protectionism.

FF Industry Link

Seán Lemass (Minister of Industry) regarded industrial development as crucial to economic success.

Protectionism/Tariffs used. Placed on over 1,000 items. CONTRAST TO C N G. Aim was to promote Irish commerce, but in reality made products dearer for the consumer.

Economic self-sufficiency was another expression of independence from Britain.

FF Economic Plans Result

Against a difficult economic situation, the FF industrial policy was relatively successful.

Employment in industry increased from 110,000 in 1932 to 166,000 in 1938

Yet, often new industries were inefficient – depended on imported raw materials. Export industry hit. Guinness and Ford established factories in Brit.

FF and Agriculture

James Ryan was the Minister for Agriculture. He increased state intervention in farming. The Land Commission divided large estates and redistributed the land.

A return to tillage was encouraged with guaranteed prices (acreage of wheat increased from 24,000 in 1932 -> 254,000 in 1936).

The controversial move to not repay £3 million per annum for annuities led to the Economic War. (Disastrous consequences for Irish economy)

Economic War

Britain retaliated to Ireland’s refusal by imposing 20% duty on Irish Agricultural imports.

DeV then put 20% on industrial imports. (meant an increase in prices for the consumer)

Economic War results.

The results were disastrous for Ireland. Irish agricultural exports fell from £36 million in 1931 - £14 million in 1935.

There was near destruction of the cattle industry, and farmers income decreased, while unemployment and emigration increased.