Unionist Resistance and British-IRA Conflict
Ulster Unionists fought hard to stay connected to Britain, successfully securing the creation of Northern Ireland with just six counties to maintain a Protestant majority. They felt betrayed by reduced representation at Westminster and focused on building their separate state whilst watching events in Dublin with deep concern.
British government policies backfired spectacularly through brutal tactics like internment without trial and aggressive military responses. The Croke Park massacre, where 14 civilians were killed, turned public opinion firmly against British rule and recruitment for the IRA soared.
IRA guerrilla warfare proved devastatingly effective against conventional British forces. Using flying columns for hit-and-run attacks, they targeted key figures like Lord French and avoided direct confrontation. These calculated tactics frustrated British commanders and demonstrated that military victory would be extremely costly.
The combination of political deadlock, unionist resistance, and escalating violence created an impossible situation that forced all sides to eventually consider negotiation rather than continued bloodshed.
Remember: Each side's actions strengthened their opponents - British brutality increased IRA support, whilst IRA attacks justified harsh British responses, creating a vicious cycle.