The Battle of Dublin in 1922 was one of the most important events of the Irish Civil War, a tumultuous period that precipitated Irish independence. This battle not only marked a turning point in the conflict, but also defined the political and ideological divisions that would mark the Republic of Ireland for decades to come.
Michael Collins – Public domain
After years of struggle for independence, Ireland signs the “Treaty of London”. This agreement led to the creation of the Irish Free State… to the detriment of Northern Ireland, which remained a dominion of the United Kingdom with a Unionist majority.
This text deeply divided the Irish: some were satisfied (represented by Michael Collins), while others called for taking up arms to fight and retake Northern Ireland (led by Éamon de Valera).
A terrible civil war ensued, pitting pro-treaty against anti-treaty. It was here that the Battle of Dubin took place: a fratricidal battle, symptomatic of an Ireland torn apart.
The Four Courts bombed during the Battle of Dublin – Public Domain
The battle began on June 28, 1922, when pro-Treaty forces led by Michael Collins launched an assault on Dublin’s Four Courts, then in the hands of the anti-Treaty forces.
As director of military operations, Collins has the difficult task of bombing the Four Courts. Determined to restore peace to Ireland, he strongly condemned the ideologies of the anti-treaty movement.
He then used heavy artillery, including a howitzer loaned by the British, to multiply his assaults.
The anti-treaty campaigners are persevering. Entrenched in the Post Office, they shoot down anyone who tries to infiltrate their defenses. All are fighting on behalf of Éamon de Valera, although he is not present at this battle.
After a week of fierce fighting, Michael Collins’ forces are victorious. They succeeded in retaking the building, signalling the defeat of the anti-treaty campaign.
Nevertheless, the human cost is high on both sides.
The victory of the pro-Treaty forces in Dublin gave a crucial boost to their camp and led to the defeat of the anti-Treaty forces in the following months.
However, this battle precipitated the assassination of Michael Collins a few months later.
Although the political situation in Ireland subsequently became much more peaceful, the division caused by the war had a lasting impact on Irish politics and society in general. Even today, the question of Northern Ireland remains at the center of many debates…
