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The success of the Free State army in the Irish Civil War of 1922–1923 was solely due to the
harsh methods it and the government used against the anti-Treaty forces. How far would you
agree with this verdict? (20) (Modal Answer)
There are many reasons that contributed to the ultimate success of the Free State Army in
the Irish Civil War. This includes the war-weariness of the Irish people, anti-Treaty IRA
shortages of arms and ammunition, and, most importantly, the success of the Free State
Army given its effectiveness of Free State government military and political tactics.
The reason for the Free State Army's success was the harsh methods it and the government
used against the anti-Treaty.
- It started with Collins’ takeover of the command, as seen in its success in Munster,
which proved crucial.
- Later, in August 1922, saw the death of Griffith and Collins, yet spurred the
government onto draconian measures.
- This is seen in the Public Safety Bill, which came into operation in October, like
establishing military courts, which gave wide-reaching powers.
- Anti-Treaty forces tried to wage a guerrilla war, and both sides engaged in reprisals;
for example, when the IRA assassinated pro-Treaty TD Sean Hales following the
order issued by Lynch in November, the four IRA leaders who had occupied the Four
Courts – Rory O’Connor, Liam Mellows, Joe McKelvey and Richard Barrett – were
summarily executed in revenge.
- At the start of 1923, it stepped up its offensive. This is seen with Cosgrave and
O’Higgins adopting a much more hard-line response than Collins and Griffith.
- In January alone saw 34 executions, and this damaged the morale of the irregulars.
A total of 77 Republicans were executed, which was twice as many in unofficial
reprisals back in the Irish War of Independence.
- Yet this didn’t turn the public against the Free State government.
- After a huge recruitment drive, they had grown significantly and reached 50,000 by
March. In comparison, they were much better equipped and trained than the
Irregulars.
- In addition, the government also had a large administrative machine to help
coordinate tactics and funds, as well as substantial quantities of weapons provided
by the British government.
Another reason the Free State Army succeeded is the poor tactics of the anti-Treaty forces.
- It is said that the outcome of the civil war was determined in the first six weeks of
fighting.
- Originally, the Irregulars held the Number Advantage but did not use it to their
advantage and failed to mount an offensive during such favourable circumstances.
- This is evident given Free State troops were initially outnumbered by anti-Treaty
Republicans, but a recruitment drive in early August increased the number of
“regulars” or Free State army members to 14,000, and by March 1923, it had
reached 50,000.
- They also adopted guerrilla warfare tactics, with the free state government being well
aware of the tactics and who was involved, and most importantly, having to rely on
the local population's support, ultimately failed to be an effective method.
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