An Introduction to the Irish Civil War

An Introduction to the Irish Civil War offers a fresh perspective on the causes, development and consequences of the Civil War triggered by the signing of the Anglo-Treaty, as it accepted less than complete independence. Very few of the active IRA commanders in the field supported the Treaty and as is so often the case in civil wars, controversy over the conduct of both sides figures heavily.

Events in late 1922 and early 1923 created a legacy of bitterness and poisoned relations between Republicans and ‘Free Staters’ for several generations because of waves of ‘dishonourable’ killings. The most enduring of these controversies surrounded a policy of summary executions carried out by the Provisional Government from November 1922.

At local level, the conduct of both sides left bitter legacies.

This book offers an overview of the war in all regions of Ireland.

John O’Donovan is a tutor at the School of History in UCC. He has published widely on early twentieth century Ireland.