An evaluation of the obstacles to peace, up to the Anglo-Irish Treaty, 1918-21

An evaluation of the obstacles to peace, up to the Anglo-Irish Treaty, 1918-21

Political Obstacles

  • The Easter Rising in 1916, where a group of radical Irish nationalists established a provisional government in Dublin, proved a significant challenge to peace. Even though it was crushed by the British, it caused anger and resentment among the Irish population.
  • The continuing issue of Home Rule and the demand for complete independence caused significant conflict. The Irish nationalists wanted complete separation from Britain while the unionists in the north wanted to remain part of Britain.
  • Partitioning of Ireland, proposed by British Prime Minister Lloyd George was another major obstacle. It led to the splitting of the nationalists and created further animosity.

Violence and Armed Resistance

  • The establishment of the Irish Republican Army (IRA), who aimed for a complete break from Britain through violent means, undermined any peaceful negotiations.
  • The War of Independence (1919-1921) saw numerous brutal acts by both sides, creating a bitter atmosphere that was not conducive to peace talks.
  • Violence from unionists in Northern Ireland, particularly the murder of Catholics in the Belfast Pogroms, worsened religious and ethnic tensions.

Religious Division

  • The deep-seated religious division between Protestants and Catholics in Ireland meant that there was strong opposition to any form of unity, particularly in the north where Protestants were the majority.
  • Discrimination against Catholics in Northern Ireland, both socially and institutionally, exacerbated the division and made peace harder to achieve.

International Factors

  • World War I had a significant impact on the situation. The British government’s attention was diverted to the war, while many Irish nationalists saw the war as an opportunity to push for independence.
  • The Anglo-Irish Treaty of 1921, though ostensibly clearing the path for peace, actually led to the Irish Civil War. The treaty was seen as a betrayal by hardline nationalists as it fell short of complete independence.