The Irish Revolution: Diplomacy and Reactions, 1919-1923

It is often forgotten that leaders of the Irish revolution considered domestic and international campaigns for Irish independence to be organically linked. Focusing on this dimension can relocate the Irish struggle in its original and fullest context.

This collection follows the activities of Irish envoys abroad as they defended the rights of Dáil Éireann to self-determination and lobbied in the capitals of Europe and the British Commonwealth, as well as in the United States. The global impact of Terence McSweeney's hunger strike is highlighted, as well as the important role played by Catholic networks, diaspora activists and women volunteers. By reconsidering its international dimension, this book locates the Irish revolution within an appropriate background of postwar settlement that were contested but fluid. Cultural repercussions of the Irish struggle are also examined at a time of growing to debate about small, emergent states and contested state boundaries arising from the upending of the old order caused by the First World War.