Focus on: Eamonn de Valera

Key Points on De Valera's Career and Influence

• Éamon de Valera founded Fianna Fáil in 1926, establishing the party as the dominant force in Irish politics for decades. Under his leadership, Fianna Fáil championed Irish sovereignty and social reform.

• After winning the 1932 general election, de Valera became Taoiseach and began dismantling the remaining ties to Britain, a key goal of Fianna Fáil. His government immediately set about abolishing the Oath of Allegiance to the British Crown.

  

• De Valera's leadership was characterised by his commitment to establishing Ireland as a fully sovereign nation. He prioritised revising the Anglo-Irish Treaty, which he believed limited Ireland's independence.

• His handling of the Economic War with Britain (1932-1838) involved refusing to pay land annuities to Britain, leading to a trade conflict. Despite economic hardships, this move was popular domestically as it asserted Ireland's independence.

• De Valera successfully negotiated the Anglo-Irish Agreement of 1938, which ended the Economic War, secured the return of the Treaty Ports, and reduced Ireland's financial burden by settling the land annuities issue.

• He was instrumental in drafting and implementing the 1937 Irish Constitution, which formally established Ireland as a sovereign state, defining the country's identity separate from British influence.

• De Valera maintained a cautious but determined approach to Anglo-Irish relations, gradually reducing British influence while avoiding direct confrontation that could lead to armed conflict.

• As Taoiseach, he pursued protectionist economic policies, focusing on self-sufficiency and the development of Irish industries. These policies had mixed results in terms of economic growth and job creation.

• His economic policies were shaped by a desire to reduce Ireland's dependency on Britain, leading to the promotion of domestic industry and agriculture, although these policies sometimes slowed economic growth.

• De Valera's approach to foreign policy was centred on asserting Ireland's independence on the world stage, exemplified by joining the League of Nations and maintaining neutrality during World War II.

• Under de Valera's leadership, Fianna Fáil consolidated democracy in Ireland by integrating former anti-Treaty forces into the political process, reducing the potential for civil unrest.

• De Valera's leadership style was often described as pragmatic yet idealistic. He carefully balanced Ireland's push for greater autonomy with the practicalities of governance, which included maintaining a functional relationship with Britain.

Essay Q Prep & Tips

Who handled Anglo-Irish Relations better: WT Cosgrave or Eamonn De Valera?

• When it comes to tips for this essay, the biggest tip is simple… ANSWER REFERRING TO BOTH. This will honestly make your life easier because you won't have to write as much on just one figure. It also allows you to compare, contrast, and, most importantly, give your own opinion.

Introduction Paragraph: An Overview of Anglo-Irish Relations

• Define Anglo-Irish relations and explain why they were crucial in the context of Ireland's struggle for sovereignty.
• Briefly introduce W.T. Cosgrave and Éamon de Valera, highlighting their roles as leaders during different periods.
• State your purpose, argue your case and show that you have a nuanced opinion! Never sit on the fence!

W.T. Cosgrave's Approach to Anglo-Irish Relations

• Discuss Cosgrave's role as the head of the Irish Free State after the Civil War, emphasising stability and rebuilding.
• Mention the 1921 Anglo-Irish Treaty, which Cosgrave supported, and how it laid the foundation for the Free State's initial relationship with Britain.
• Explain how Cosgrave maintained a cautious and pragmatic relationship with Britain, focusing on economic recovery and avoiding further conflict.
• Highlight Cosgrave's efforts to consolidate Ireland's international standing, including joining the League of Nations in 1923.

Cosgrave and the Boundary Commission

• Explain the significance of the Boundary Commission and Cosgrave's role in the negotiations.
• Discuss how Cosgrave's handling of the Boundary Commission was viewed as a failure, with minimal changes to the border, disappointing many in the Free State.
• Analyse how this event damaged Cosgrave's reputation and strained Anglo-Irish relations during his tenure.

Éamon de Valera's Vision for Anglo-Irish Relations

• Introduce de Valera's rise to power in 1932 and his goal to dismantle the Treaty and assert Ireland's independence.
• Discuss de Valera's refusal to swear the Oath of Allegiance and his successful efforts to remove it, marking a break from Britain.
• Highlight his broader vision of establishing a fully sovereign Ireland, free from British influence, which guided his foreign policy decisions.

De Valera and the Economic War

• Explain the origins of the Economic War (1932-1938) over land annuities and how de Valera's refusal to pay led to a trade conflict with Britain.
• Discuss the economic impact on Ireland and how de Valera used the conflict to rally domestic support, framing it as a stand for independence.
• Mention the eventual resolution with the Anglo-Irish Agreement of 1938, which ended the Economic War and returned the Treaty Ports to Ireland, seen as a significant victory for de Valera.

De Valera's 1937 Constitution and Anglo-Irish Relations

• Discuss how de Valera's drafting of the 1937 Irish Constitution further distanced Ireland from Britain, asserting its sovereignty.
• Highlight the removal of references to the British monarchy and the creation of the office of the President of Ireland, replacing the British monarch as head of state.
• Analyse how the Constitution redefined Ireland's identity on the international stage and in its relationship with Britain.

Conclusion: Evaluating the Success of Both Leaders and Reinforce Your Main Arguments

• Summarise your main thesis as best you can.
• Discuss the strengths and weaknesses of each leader's approach, considering the context of their time in power.
• Provide a reasoned conclusion on who handled Anglo-Irish relations better, supported by the arguments made in the essay.