2. Churchill and Ireland
Had lived in Ireland from 2-6, whilst his Grandfather was Viceroy and his father
his secretary
Visited Ireland in 1912 to put forward a case for Home Rule, but mobbed
by 1000s of Protestants
Believed that Ireland, whilst not being permanently a part of the UK could
remain in the British Empire as a ‘dominion’ such as Canada, Australia etc.
Took precedent from South Africa where the Boers became peaceful once
given a degree of autonomy
In 1914 as a result of rumours of violence by the UDV (Ulster Defence
Volunteers) Churchill had sent 5 Battleships to Belfast to maintain law and
order
1914 Home Rule Act passed at Westminster…. But postponed due to the outbreak of war
Randolph Churchill had been an ardent supporter of the Ulster unionists

3. 24th April 1916 – The Easter Rising
1,600 Irish nationalists seized key buildings, such as the GPO
Lasted 6 days
The British Army shelled the Post Office and other buildings forcing the insurgents to flee
In 1919 Sinn Fein MPs formed their own government for Ireland (Dail Eireann)
and declared independence
Formed an army called the IRA led by Michael Collins
Starts a campaign of guerilla violence against British troops
In 1918 73 of 105 Irish constituencies won by Sinn Fein MPs
A war of independence then breaks out

4. Winston comes up with the Black and Tans
Loyalist soldiers to go and fight in the Royal Irish
Constabulary as a paramilitary force against Irish
separatists
On 9 July 1921 a truce is declared
By October negotiations were underway
Michael Collins admitted that when the truce was offered by the
British the IRA were days away from collapse
The Irish Free State was created 6 December 1922 – splitting Ireland into North and South
Within 2 days the North writes to the King requesting to return to the United Kingdom
Winston now Secretary of State for the Colonies was one of the negotiators
Winston insisted Britain keep 3 treaty ports: Queenstown, Berehaven and Lough Swilly
These were later given up by Chamberlain in 1938 much to WSCs horror.