"Revolutions tend to devour their own children"

The Irish Civil War lasted  almost a year between June 1922 and May 1923.  As with all wars it was particularly bitter and saw deep divisions across Ireland. It was caused by the deep divisions made evident following the signing of the Anglo Irish Treaty. A Treaty which won Ireland its longed for independence of sorts, but in doing so it partitioned Ireland and had accepted compromises. This led to a split in the nationalist/ republican movement which would result in division and bloodshed and would shape Ireland's destiny. 

background to division and war

causes of the irish civil war

cause 1: 

What added significance to the division was not about numbers but about who objected to the Treaty. It was clear that among the opponents to the Treaty were many militant republicans such as Rory O'Connor. 

Despite the electoral win in the DÁIL and the public endorsement of the Treaty, Collins continued to face challenges from those who were just not prepared to accept this. After the Treaty THREE types of disputed administration emerged to rule parts of the 26 country Ireland - leading to confusion and anger. 

• Collins Provisional Government 
• Griffith's Dáil 
• O'Connor's illegal military executive at the Four Courts. 

It was clear that something had to be done to make the PROVISIONAL GOVERNMENT a lot more permanent and uncontested. 

cause 2

CAUSE 3

events of the irish civil war

consequences of the civil war