ABSTRACT
Collins is part of the Irish delegation in the Anglo-Irish negotiations leading to the Anglo-Irish Treaty. The compromise Treaty gives Ireland political autonomy – without Ulster – but “freedom to achieve total freedom” in Collins’ words. The Dail, after heated debate, narrowly ratifies the Treaty but de Valera and the diehard Republicans refuse to accept the Treaty. The IRA split, with a significant number forming an anti-Treaty IRA. A temporary reconciliation is arranged between the pro-Treaty IRA and the anti-Treaty IRA enabling elections in Ireland. The electorate mandate the Treaty by a significant majority. The anti-Treaty IRA continue mobilising.
The British General Sir Henry Wilson is murdered in London by two London-based IRA. The British government pressurise Griffith, Collins and the Free State government to suppress the anti-Treaty IRA, who have meanwhile escalated the situation by occupying and garrisoning public buildings in Dublin including the Four Courts. Reluctantly, the Free State government initiates conflict which develops into a short but bitter civil war. Collins is one of the fatal casualties. The Republicans and anti-Treaty IRA had comparatively little support from a war-weary Irish population.
Yet it was due to Collins and his political colleagues that the Free State had come into being, and it was due to Collins and his military colleagues that the Free State army was forged and resourced and was able to win the civil war.
