Arthur Griffith

Arthur Griffith (31 March 1871 – 12 August 1922) was an Irish politician and writer who founded the political party Sinn Féin. He played a crucial role in the Irish struggle for independence and served as the President of Dáil Éireann from January 1922 until his death in August of the same year.

Early Life and Career

Arthur Griffith was born in Dublin, Ireland, in 1871. He was educated by the Christian Brothers and began his career as a printer. Griffith became involved in nationalist politics in the 1890s, joining the Irish Republican Brotherhood (IRB), a secret organization dedicated to the establishment of an independent Irish Republic.

Founding of Sinn Féin

In 1905, Griffith founded the political party Sinn Féin, which means "We Ourselves" in Irish. The party initially advocated for a dual monarchy, similar to the Austro-Hungarian model, where Ireland would have its own parliament but remain under the British crown. This was outlined in his publication "The Resurrection of Hungary: A Parallel for Ireland."

Role in the Irish War of Independence

During the Irish War of Independence (1919-1921), Sinn Féin, under Griffith's leadership, became the political wing of the Irish Republican Army (IRA). Griffith was elected as a member of the First Dáil in 1919, which declared Irish independence from Britain.

Anglo-Irish Treaty

Griffith was a key figure in the negotiations that led to the Anglo-Irish Treaty of 1921, which ended the war and established the Irish Free State. The treaty was controversial because it required members of the new Irish parliament to swear allegiance to the British crown, leading to a split in Sinn Féin and the outbreak of the Irish Civil War.

Presidency and Death

In January 1922, Griffith was elected President of Dáil Éireann, succeeding Éamon de Valera. He worked tirelessly to establish the new Irish Free State but died suddenly of a cerebral hemorrhage on 12 August 1922, at the age of 51.

Legacy

Arthur Griffith's legacy is complex. He is remembered as a founding figure of modern Irish nationalism and a key architect of the Irish Free State. His pragmatic approach to achieving Irish independence laid the groundwork for the eventual establishment of the Republic of Ireland.

See Also

• Michael Collins (Irish leader)
• Éamon de Valera
• Irish Civil War

References

• Coogan, Tim Pat. Michael Collins: The Man Who Made Ireland. Palgrave Macmillan, 1992.
• Macardle, Dorothy. The Irish Republic. Corgi Books, 1968.