

The History of Ireland
Kevin Dolan
Please take this quick survey to help support the show: http://bit.ly/thehistoryofireland-surveyThe Irish Republic's foundation is one hell of a story, complete with spying secretaries, pig thieves, politicians, poets, school teachers and the world's biggest empire. In quick, bite-sized episodes, we're going to explore the causes, characters and aftermath of the Irish War of Independence.Support the show through Patreon for bonus content and ad free listening!www.patreon.com/thehistoryofireland Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jun 8, 2020 • 14min
S1EP35 – Will The Real John Jameson Please Stand Up?
British spy John Jameson infiltrates the IRA, delivers guns to Collins, and becomes a trusted collaborator until his true identity is revealed. The chapter highlights Jameson's bravery, patriotism, and the significant shift in the Intelligence War after his assassination.

May 24, 2020 • 13min
S1EP34 – John Jameson
The podcast explores how Michael Collins recruited allies from Britain during the war. It discusses the involvement of Art of Brian and Sean McGrath in the Irish Self-Determination League and their encounter with John Jameson. The meeting between Collins and Jameson is explored, along with the failed operation of Basil Thompson to infiltrate the IRA.

May 9, 2020 • 14min
S1E33 – The Munitions Strike
This episode explores the Irish Labour movement in 1920 and the railway worker strike that brought the country to a standstill. It discusses the fear of the Bolsheviks among the British upper classes, the support gained from dock workers, and the IRA's assistance in providing alternative transport for civilians. The episode also examines the impact of the railway system boycott on the Irish War of Independence and the disruption of food supplies.

Apr 25, 2020 • 15min
S1EP32 – The Kidnapped General
A friendly fishing day turned into a high-profile kidnapping for the IRA in 1921. The podcast explores the abduction of Brigadier General Cuthbert Lucas and his subsequent escape. It also delves into the aftermath of the kidnapping, including British reprisals. The episode highlights the struggle for control in Ireland and the surprising limitations of the IRA's actions.

Apr 10, 2020 • 15min
S1EP31 – The Flying Columns
This podcast episode discusses the formation and implementation of the Flying Columns, a revolutionary unit in Ireland that played a vital role in the IRA's survival against the British. It explores their origins, departure from traditional fighting methods, and guerrilla warfare tactics used during the Irish War of Independence.

Mar 23, 2020 • 16min
S1E30 – Theory & Instinct
This episode delves into the factors that influenced the IRA's fighting style against the British. It explores their activities in 1920, including an audacious attack on Dublin Castle mail. The chapter also discusses the concept of theory versus instinct in guerrilla warfare and how T.E. Lawrence and the Boer War shaped the IRA's theory and practice of guerrilla warfare. Additionally, it explores how IRA brigades operated autonomously, combining theory and instinct to carry out attacks using hit and run tactics, raids on barracks, and weapons procurement.

Mar 2, 2020 • 15min
29 – The Murder of Tomas Mac Curtain
This podcast episode explores the life of Tomas Mac Curtain, his role as Lord Mayor of Cork, and his murder. The episode discusses the possibility of British involvement, including a recently discovered letter revealing a secret murder policy and accusations against Prime Minister David Lloyd George. It also examines the systematic policy of reprisal during the war and the involvement of Winston Churchill and David Lloyd George.

Feb 13, 2020 • 14min
S1E28 - Who Were The Black & Tans?
The podcast explores the notorious Black & Tans in Ireland, discussing their origin, recruitment, motivations, and actions. It highlights their negative reputation for drunkenness, indiscriminate shooting, and brutality. The presence of Black & Tans helped the IRA gain support and win the propaganda war.

Jan 28, 2020 • 18min
S1E27 - The Men Behind The Black & Tans
Discover how David Lloyd George and Winston Churchill created the notorious Black and Tans in Ireland during 1919 and 1920. Explore the government's plans, Lloyd George's complex attitude towards Ireland, key British players involved, and the different options considered to resolve the conflict.

Jan 7, 2020 • 11min
Questions & Answers
So I've had a few episodes about the show, and a few random ones, so I thought I'd answer them all in one episode before we get back into the thick of it. Hope you enjoy and if you've any other questions get in touch at historyofirelandpodcast@gmail.comSupport The History of Ireland by donating to their Tip Jar: https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/historyofireland Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.