Description
Book SynopsisThis book is based on original research into intimidation and violence directed at civilians by combatants during the revolutionary period in Ireland, considering this from the perspectives of the British, the Free State and the IRA.
The book combines qualitative and quantitative approaches, and focusses on County Kerry, which saw high levels of violence. It demonstrates that violence and intimidation against civilians was more common than clashes between combatants and that the upsurge in violence in 1920 was a result of the deployment of the Black and Tans and Auxiliaries, particularly in the autumn and winter of that year. Despite the limited threat posed by the IRA, the British forces engaged in unprecedented and unprovoked violence against civilians. This study stresses the increasing brutality of the subsequent violence by both sides. The book shows how the British had similar methods and views as contemporary counter-revolutionary groups in Europe.
IRA violence, h
Table of Contents
Introduction 1
1 Fond memories, location and hostility: the role of civilians in republican testimony, 1918–23 20
2 Delinquent youths and the moderate majority: the role of civilians in the records of the crown forces and Free State army, 1918–23 44
3 Crime, alcohol, travellers and emigration: republican policing in 1920 68
4 The development of the IRA’s campaign against combatants and civilians in 1920 92
5 ‘…the Tans appeared to have gone absolutely mad’: the crown forces and violence, 1920–21 130
6 Ambushes, harassment, arson, and spies and informers: IRA violence in 1921 175
7 Truce and civil war 211
