Obstacles to Peace Before the Anglo-Irish Treaty

Irish attitudes shifted massively after WWI, with many turning away from constitutional nationalism towards more radical solutions. The Easter Rising had planted seeds of violent resistance that grew stronger as people lost patience with broken promises of Home Rule.

Sinn Féin's stunning victory in the 1918 election gave republicans a clear mandate for independence. Meanwhile, nationalists who had supported the war effort lost credibility, especially after backing conscription. This created a powerful political shift that Britain couldn't ignore.

The Dáil's formation in 1919 marked Ireland's attempt to govern itself, though Britain quickly declared it illegal. Operating in secret, the Dáil struggled with unity as many members were imprisoned, but it gave legitimacy to the independence movement and strengthened support for the IRA's violent campaign.

Key Point: Britain's heavy-handed response to Irish self-government attempts only strengthened republican resolve and popular support for independence.

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.