During World War 2, Ireland declared neutrality to assert its sovereignty and independence following the partition of Ireland in 1921. Ireland pursued a policy of pro-Allied neutrality by secretly assisting Britain with things like weather reports and allowing British planes to pass through Irish airspace, while maintaining economic trade relationships. This policy was popular among the Irish population as it allowed Ireland to avoid direct involvement in the war and the suffering experienced elsewhere. However, neutrality also led to economic difficulties and censorship within Ireland.

1. Ireland and World War Two Leaving Cert History Sovereignty and Partition 1912-1949

2. Ireland and World War Two Neutrality Why was Ireland neutral? A Pro-Allied Neutrality Dealing with the British De Valera and the US Economic Impact Agriculture Censorship Escaping the Bombs

3. Neutrality Ireland declared its neutrality on the day after war broke out. The war years became known as 'the Emergency' The Emergency Powers Act that gave the government extensive powers to secure public safety and the preservation of the state

4. It was a true test of Irish self-determination and an assertion of sovereignty and independence. It was part of a complex political strategy Neutrality was also the policy of national unity It was a popular among the population Ireland's military weakness was glaringly exposed Why was Ireland neutral?

5. Possible because of return of the Treaty ports in 1938 DeValera was disillusioned with the League of Nations He had come to believe that small nations should not be the pawns of larger nations DeValera claimed that partition remained a continued affront to Ireland and that military collaboration could not come about whilst Ireland remained divided Britain briefly was willing to consider the possibility of reunification Why was Ireland neutral?

6. A Pro-Allied Neutrality It was in Ireland's economic interest to maintain trading relationships with Britain Ireland supplied food to Britain 40,000 served in British forces 120,000 went to work in Britain Weather reports were sent secretly and RAF planes flew over Irish airspace Allied prisoners were allowed to 'escape' The Irish government passed on information and intelligence from diplomatic sources

7. Dealing with the British Neither Germany nor Britain gambled on invading Ireland Britain (by virtue of partition) had use of Irish bases, and felt that invasion would present more problems than it would solve After 1941 the immediate threat to Britain receded DeValera took a strong line with the IRA in order to avoid the angering Britain 500 IRA members spent the war interned in the Curragh De Valera insisted that Hempel's (the German ambassador) radio transmitter was shut down in 1942 because American and British pressure John Maffey, the British representative , developed a good working relationship with d eValera

8. De Valera and the US David Gray, the American representative, disliked d eValera and Irish neutrality The 'American note' demanded that the German and Japanese missions in Dublin be closed in order to prevent details of the Normandy Landings leaking out De Valera refused - the Allies imposed a ban on travel to and from Britain until after D-Day. De Valera's biggest blunder was signing the book of condolence on Hitler's death

9. Economic Impact Lemass appointed Minister of Supplies 1940 State shipping service established Rationing to sugar, tea and fuel, then clothing and bread in 1942. Gas, electricity and petrol. Coal replaced by peat The railway system badly affected. Machinery were difficult to maintain and repair Imported raw materials in short supply and limits on the use of gas and electricity affected industry Many factory workers were unemployed or part-time Wages were controlled by the Wages Standstill Order of 1941. Inflation was high (70%), living standards fell Emigration important for relieving social unrest

10. Agriculture Shortages of fertilisers In 1940 compulsory tillage Home produced foodstuffs Dairy, sheep and cattle - exports to Britain Farmers had not recovered from the economic war unable to fully benefit from British demand Irish farmers suffered from an outbreak of foot-and-mouth in 1941 Agriculture earned money for the country

11. Censorship The censor stopped anyone from publishing information that would favour one side over another Knowledge of the war was limited to those who could receive the BBC All accounts of Nazi atrocities were denounced as propaganda and the Irish lived in ignorance – most of the press colluded willingly in this

12. Escaping the Bombs Neutrality was popular - civilian escaped the suffering elsewhere The Belfast Blitz provided a demonstration of this There were a few bombings on the South One dropped on the North Strand, Dublin in May 1941 killing 28 people Probably accidental but may have been a warning from the Germans about the consequences of siding with Britain

13. Presentation prepared by: Dominic Haugh St. Particks Comprehensive School Shannon Co. Clare Presentation can be used for educational purposes only – all rights remain with author