Irish History Michael Collins

2061 Words9 Pages
Joseph Russell Candidate Number: 5145 Unit 4: Ireland and the Union 1815- 1922 How Significant Was The Contribution Of Michael Collins To The Successes Of Irish Republicanism In The Period 1916- 1922? Michael Collins used a number of methods to improve and force the chance for an Irish Republic down the British throats. His tactics were brutal and fully committed to the cause. However along with Collins other figures within Irish Republicanism were equally important to the success of the movement, and were also just as committed to winning Ireland for the Irish. We see Collins relentless attitude expressed in a statement made by himself when in court in April 1918 facing a charge of inciting people to steal guns. In the source I can clearly see that Collins does not regret his actions, and even though he does not say he stole the guns, he admits to similar work being used so that his people can fight against the British, “preventing me doing the work I have been doing for Ireland. Gentlemen of the press that is all I have to say”. This clearly shows us that he is not ashamed or scared to admit that what he is doing for example stealing guns will be for the greater good of the Irish people’s needs and lives. Collins and the IRA were very notorious in Ireland especially Dublin where they made assaults on British officers and soldiers collecting guns and other types of weapons. They invaded and took over the Dublin post office as a hide out to smuggle weaponry into and to also plan assaults on officers of the British. We also see in the same source Collins direct attack on the British government, and how he tries to use this language to gain mass support in Ireland, “I am brought here by force, by an unlawful, immoral government in this country”. By showing his disgust and
Open Document