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Radical Politics in the Irish Free State (HIS3040)

Members of a United Ireland Party
13 November 1933: Members of a United Ireland Party giving a Fascist salute during a parade at their headquarters in Merrion Square, Dublin. (Hulton/Getty Images)

Radical Politics in the Irish Free State

Level: 3
Semester: 1
Module Co-ordinators: Fearghal McGarry

Module Content

This course explores the theme of radicalism in Irish politics and society between 1923 and 1937. It focuses on Cumann na nGaedheal’s attempts to establish a democratic state; the response of republicans to defeat in the Civil War; the emergence of Fianna Fáil; the growth of the Blueshirts and left-wing republicanism; Irish responses to the Spanish Civil War and de Valera’s success in consolidating Irish democracy in the 1930s. It aims to provide an understanding of the politics of the Irish Free State, the underlying causes of political radicalism and the processes involved in establishing political legitimacy within a state.     
 
Teaching is by lectures (one per week) and tutorials.
Assessment is by examination (50%), continual assessment (40%) and seminar contribution (10%).

Suggested Reading:

Fearghal McGarry, Eoin O’Duffy – A Self Made Hero (Oxford, 2005)
John Regan, The Irish Counter-Revolution 1921–1936 (Dublin, 1999)
Brian Hanley, The IRA 1926–1936 (Dublin, 2002)