Irish Republican Army

Hogan's Flying Column

Irish Republican Army (IRA) refers to several paramilitary organizations which have existed since the early 20th century with the aim of establishing an independent Ireland and ending British rule in Northern Ireland. The term has been applied to several organizations over the years, which share the same goal but have different methods and ideologies.

Origins and History

The first organization to be known as the Irish Republican Army was the military wing of the Irish Volunteers that fought in the Easter Rising of 1916. Following the rising, the IRA waged a guerrilla war against British forces during the Irish War of Independence (1919–1921). The conflict ended with the signing of the Anglo-Irish Treaty in 1921, which led to the establishment of the Irish Free State, a self-governing dominion of the British Empire, in 26 of Ireland's 32 counties. The remaining six counties in the north remained part of the United Kingdom, becoming Northern Ireland.

The treaty divided the IRA, with opponents arguing that it failed to achieve the goal of a fully independent all-Ireland republic. This division led to the Irish Civil War (1922–1923), with the pro-treaty forces eventually emerging victorious.

The IRA in the Late 20th Century

In the late 20th century, the term "IRA" primarily referred to the Provisional Irish Republican Army, which emerged in 1969 following a split in the organization. The Provisional IRA embarked on a campaign known as "The Troubles," a violent conflict involving republican and loyalist paramilitaries, the British Army, and the Royal Ulster Constabulary in Northern Ireland. The conflict resulted in the deaths of more than 3,500 people and ended with the Good Friday Agreement in 1998.

Objectives and Tactics

The primary objective of the IRA has been the reunification of Ireland and the end of British rule in Northern Ireland. The methods to achieve these goals have varied, including armed struggle, political negotiations, and participation in electoral politics through associated political parties such as Sinn Féin.

Controversy and Legacy

The IRA's use of violence, including bombings, shootings, and assassinations, has been controversial and condemned by many governments and individuals. Supporters argue that the IRA fought a legitimate struggle against British occupation, while critics label their actions as terrorism.

The legacy of the IRA is complex, with its history intertwined with the broader story of Ireland's struggle for independence and the ongoing peace process in Northern Ireland. The organization's actions have had a lasting impact on British-Irish relations and the political landscape of Northern Ireland.

See Also

• Easter Rising
• Anglo-Irish Treaty
• Irish War of Independence
• Irish Civil War
• The Troubles
• Good Friday Agreement
• Sinn Féin