The Irish War of Independence

Stephen Spheaven presenting at the Easter Rising

Éamon de Valera

IRA

Black and Tans

The Irish War of Independence is the latest entry in the War Series covering Ireland's path towards sovereignty in the early 20th century. The video covers three main events in Ireland being the Easter Rising, the War of Independence, and the Irish Civil War. The video is quite unique in several aspects, one being the presence of the presenter Stephen Spheaven, giving narration and information as events in Ireland unfold. The video is also the first of the War Series to cover a non-American conflict, and it edited not by Michael or Eric, but by Joe who had no prior experience.

The video was created for Joe's AP European history class, making it the hopeful start of a new generation of high school projects. Its production team has been jokingly referred to as *The Gnarly Bros*, as the usual crew was unavailable, leaving its production to be completed by Jack and Joe. The cast was small consisting of them and their siblings, but Alejandro was able to come helping the video see a successful completion. The video was produced across three consecutive days as it was researched and written in one day, filmed in one day, and then edited in one day, making the production cycle remarkably similar to a shamrock.

## Chapters

### Easter Rising 1916

The video begins with the Easter Rising which occurred from Apr 24, 1916 – Apr 29, 1916. Stephen Spheaven introduces himself as the host of this video as he walks past English soldiers firing upon IRA members who took over the Dublin General Post Office building. Spheaven elaborates on the situation as the IRA has staged an uprising in hopes that would be able to succeed due to Britain's heavy involvement in World War I. Spheaven teleports into the building to show IRA members fighting tooth and nail, willing to risk everything for their freedom. Spehaven gets a statement from Patrick Pearse, before more fighting is shown. Becoming desperate after a casualty from a potato grenade, the English throw a can of Axe body spray as a chemical weapon to drive out the Irish. Defeated, the IRA come down from the building with their hands up.

#### Execution of the Leaders of 16

Spheaven then takes the viewer to the execution of the leaders of the rising, showing Patrick Pearse face execution from a potato. He then talks of James Connelly who was tied in a chair for his execution as he was too wounded to stand, before taking the rifle from the English soldier to shoot the man himself. This was used as evidence by the Irish Court System to prove Spheaven's charge of first degree murder. Spheaven then talks of Éamon de Valera who was spared due to his American citizenship he acquired through his birth in New York City. Spheaven explains this was due to the British fear of offending the United States when they desperately wanted them to join World War I. While hope seemed bleak, it was here that the Irish Republic was declared and no matter how hard the British tried, they would not be able to dismantle the Republic.

### 1918 Westminster Election

Spheaven then takes the viewer to Westminster Parliament in London just after the 1918 general election. This is important as *Sinn Féin*, the Irish independence party, won over 75% of the seats for the Irish representatives. Notably, Sinn Féin had the policy of not taking their seats to signify they did not acknowledge the power of the British crown. They instead set up their own parliament in Ireland called the *Dáil Éireann,* establishing an underground government for the Republic of Ireland. It was from this point on that this new government would prepare and execute their War for Independence.

### War of Independence 1919-1921

From Jan 21, 1919 to Jul 11, 1921, The Irish War of Independence was not fought how one would traditionally think, as the Irish had learned time and time again they would not be able to stand toe to toe with the British army. This led to a conflict fought to be fought with guerilla warfare and small scale ambushes in order to wear the British down with acts of terror. I key figure in this War as Spheaven points out, is Michael Collins, who mistakenly would appear to be Spheaven but without glasses and a nice hat. Collins was the Minister of Finance, which is the second most important position in the Irish government as money is always a problem, as well as a commander of the IRA. At the start of 1919 the IRA had few guns and no bullets, so Collins began raiding weapon storehouses and stopping shipments in order to equip his little army. This is shown in the video as he and two other men incapacitate an English guard with a single karate chop before making if with several weapons. By 1920 Collins grew more confident and more bold as he started high profile assassinations to strike fear in the British administration. Collins formed a gang known as "The Squad" or the "12 Apostles" which was a group of 12 assassins that would carry out important assassinations. they began by assassinating Irishmen working for the crown in the Royal Irish Constabulary, before targeting British agents brought into the country. The violence against the British was so effective that the British brought in a group known as the Black and Tans. These men were ex soldiers from World War I who were the absolute dregs of society, with many having been dishonorably discharged from the army. They were brought in for their ruthlessness as they would harass commit horrendous act against the Irish people. They were brought in as members of the Royal Irish Constabulary but they did not have enough uniforms to equip all the men, so a mixture of tan army and black police uniforms were worn giving them their name of "Black and Tans". Spheaven shows the evil acts of this group as two members are seen taking and stomping on the potato of an Irish farmer before slapping him in the face. This group would ultimately worsen the situation in Ireland as public support of the IRA grew stronger with every atrocity.

#### Bloody Sunday 1920

On November 21, 1920 Collins had his men assassinate the "Cairo gang" which was a group of British undercover spies and informants. He had acquired the names and addresses of all these men and sent out his boys to kill all 15 of them. In one assassination two of the Squad escape on a bicycle and a tricycle, narrowly escaping a British policeman. Spheaven then speaks of the Black and Tan retaliation to this act as they drove to a Gaelic football game and fired unprovoked on the crowd, killing or fatally wounding 14 people including 2 children leaving 30 dead on this day. While he speaks of this the Black and Tans are shown making the potato farmer from before do a funny jig while they shoot at his feet. Spheaven then appears on the ground beneath the cameraman to tell how public opinion of the British in Ireland and across the world had grown more critical.

### 1921 and the Anglo-Irish Treaty

Spheaven speaks of the number of larger scale skirmishes that happen during 1921 as the potato farmer from before is seen battling the Black and Tans at a tree. He tells of the British folding as they could simply no longer afford to fight with the Irish rebels across the country, and how they invited key figures to negotiate a peace agreement. Michael Collins and Arthur Griffith, founder of the Sinn Féin party, end of going.

At the treaty signing Spheaven drinks a British negotiator's entire glass of water before speaking of what was to occur. The Irish were ultimately unable to achieve the full freedom they desired as they were granted self rule but with Dominion status under the crown. In addition to this, they Northern Ireland would remain part of the United Kingdom, beginning the hundred year divide that has yet to change. In Spheaven's retelling Collins and Griffith are shown to display little retaliation to being told that they can not have the North as they sign without much deliberation.

Collins is then shown in President Éamon de Valera's office who is quite angry at Michael with how the treaty turned out. Collins himself dislikes the treaty, but insists it was the best anyone could get and that Dev's expectations were too unrealistic. He then accuses Dev of setting him up by sending him to take the fall of a bad treaty, but de Valera denies this. De Valera then insults Collins by calling his mother a fish due to his fishy eyes, to which Collins calls Dev's father a Giraffe due to his long neck. De Valera kicks him out of his office with Collins slamming the door on his exit. These two great friends and allies during the War, were now divided.

#### Dáil Approval

Spheaven then appears at the January of 1922 at the meeting of the Irish Dáil to vote on the approval of the Anglo-Irish Treaty. He emphasizes the strained divide between Sinn Féin members over the treaty with arguments from both sides. Michael Collin's argues that while the freedom given is not one that most nations desire, it gives the possibility of one day achieving this freedom. Éamon ee Valera on the other hand argues that if liberty is not entire, then it is not liberty at all meaning the Irish should not compromise on their freedom. After much emotional arguing with Arthur Griffith in tears, the speaker of the Dáil announces the vote of 64-57 in favor of the treaty, showing just how close of a vote this was. De Valera then chooses to walk out of meeting, with his followers leaving with him. As Spheaven then says "This was a DISASTER" as former friends and comrades were now turned against each other. By walking out De Valera resigned from his position as President, leaving Arthur Griffith to fil the role. He would not lead the government however as Michael Collins was given this position as Chairman of the Irish Provisional Government. Collins would also lead the new Free State army, and oversaw the lowering of the British flag in Dublin castle as they left the country. De Valera in his followers would not compromise their position however, as they then began to stir up unrest and support throughout the country, creating a tangible divide throughout the island.

### Irish Civil War

The Irish Civil War occurred from Jun 28, 1922 to May 24, 1923 as the loss of the North and the position of Dominion status was unacceptable to much of the population. Those who fought together were now divided as some joined the Irish Free State army, while others repurposed the IRA to fight the newly established government. Fighting broke out after Rory O'Connor led the IRA to take over the Four Courts building in Dublin. In fear of British intervention, now General Michael Collins ordered an attack on the building. Spheaven is present as the fighting begins with the IRA occupying what is seemingly a playground while Collins orders his men to fire on the enemy. Following this victory the Free State saw success throughout the war as the IRA were outgunned by their former comrades who were aware of their tricks. There was however significant loss ahead.

#### Death of Michael Collins

Near the end of the war, Collins began touring the countryside as victory seemed near. It was when he visited his hometown of Cork he unfortunately met his demise. Spheaven is present and tells of how this is the saddest and most tragic loss of the war, before handing the murder weapon to an assassin waiting by the side of the road. Collins is then seen riding his favorite tricycle with an armed escort before they are ambushed by several IRA members. Collins is shot in the head, and his men are left firing at the enemy with broken hearts.

### Aftermath

Spheaven speaks to the viewer one last time to state the Free State managed to win the Civil War despite the loss of Collins, leaving many bitter about the presence of the Anglo-Irish treaty. Despite only being about 11 months, the divide of friendship the conflict caused made all those involved feel terrible, inspiring Ireland to become neutral as they would never wish to see such a war again. The North remained part of the United Kingdom, and Ireland a part of the empire. Spheaven then states that despite the loss of the anti-treaty faction in the war, they would return to the control of the government as Éamon de Valera founds the Fianna Fáil party which would become the largest party in the country, earning him several terms as Taoiseach (Prime Minister) of Ireland as well as two terms as the ceremonial role of President of Ireland. Those who followed Michael Collins in the pro-treaty faction would found the Fine Gael party, another successful party that would see control of the government. These two parties still remain today as the two largest parties and in fact are the only two to ever hold the position of Taoiseach. Upon wrapping up his video, Spheaven is apprehended by the two Free State soldiers while kicking and screaming. He is later imprisoned on charges of first degree murder.

## Trivia

- Joe was given this project on a Thursday with a Monday due date. Not cool teach. Joe texted Jack after this was assigned to ask if he thought a video was possible, and the two decided it could indeed be done. No friends could make it so it appeared it would just be the family, but Alejandro miraculously arrived saving yet another video.

- The inspiration from this project stems from Jack's Politics of Ireland class he had just taken that semester. Through this class he learned all the information given in the video as this history is integral to understanding the two main parties, leading to him watching the Michael Collins movie in class. Loving this movie so much, he showed it to Joe when home which he in turn greatly enjoyed. This therefore led to the idea of such a subject popping into Joe's head when told of the project, with Jack viewing it as a true final test of what he had learned in class leading to their enthusiasm in making the video. Jack then sent the video to his professor who gave approval of the project.

- The idea of a presenter to be shown in the video as opposed to narration or text information was an idea Jack had for a theoretical Argentina video project he had hoped to do for a summer class. Upon looking at the syllabus and seeing that must be a recorded PowerPoint lecture he was disappointed, but saw an opportunity to use this idea here and gradually convinced Joe to do it, creating Stephen Spheaven.

## Gallery

Irish surrender at the Easter RisingElectrifying electionCollins and his boysBlack and TansAnger between old friendsDáil vote on the treatyCivil WarSpheaven delivering the murder weaponStephen's arrest