Michael Collins and the Civil War

by Dwyer, T. Ryle

• ISBN13: 9781781170328
• ISBN10: 1781170320
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2012-10-15
• Publisher: Dufour Editions

Summary

On 14 April 1922 a group of 200 anti-Treaty IRA men occupied the Four Courts in Dublin in defiance of the Provisional Government. Michael Collins, who wanted to avoid civil war at all costs, did not attack them until June 1922, when British pressure forced his hand. This led to the Irish Civil War as fighting broke out in Dublin between the anti-Treaty IRA and the Provisional Government's troops. Under Collins' supervision, the Free State rapidly took control of the capital. In 'Michael Collins and the Civil War', Ryle Dwyer sheds new light on Collins' role in the Civil War, showing how in the weeks and months leading to the campaign he secretly persisted with guerrilla tactics in border areas. This involved not only assassination but also kidnapping and hostage taking. In confronting those tactics on behalf of the British, for instance, Winston Churchill engaged in similar behaviour, including killing and hostage-taking. But until now much of this has conveniently been swept under the carpet of history.

Table of Contents

Preface	p. 7
æWe will now call on the Irish people to rally to us'	p. 11
æYou are a traitor'	p. 20
Chairman of the Provisional Government	p. 26
'Coercion-of-Ulster is unthinkable'	p. 34
'There was no Ulster questionÆ	p. 42
The Collins-Craig Pact	p. 51
Taking Hostages	p. 60
The Clones Affray	p. 69
æThe rats leaving the ship'	p. 77
'Let the bastard go'	p. 88
'Some of you know nothing about freedom'	p. 98
'Three of the most delightful hours'	p. 109
'Civil war can only be averted by a miracle'	p. 120
'We will co-operate in nothing'	p. 130
'Drift about in recriminatory correspondence'	p. 143
æWe are fast verging to anarchy'	p. 155
The Election Pact	p. 165
'Northern Rebellion'	p. 175
'I can't leave these people unprotected'	p. 185
'This gulf is unbridgeable'	p. 196
'Worse than Armenian atrocities'	p. 207
'Collins might appoint a charwoman'	p. 219
æYou understand fully what you have to do'	p. 231
'The safety of the nation is the first law'	p. 239
'Keep open some avenue or avenues to peace'	p. 249
'Dogging the fortunes of Ireland'	p. 260
What matter if for Ireland dear we fall'	p. 271
'Hang up your brightest colours'	p. 282
Notes	p. 294
Bibliography	p. 309
Index	p. 314
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