Ireland in the1930s and 1940s

Source: Muckross Research Library, Kerry, Ireland

Ireland-1930s and 1940s

The Irish Free State came into being at the end of 1922, following the signing of a Treaty with England in December 1921. (Ended the War of Independence, which had commenced against the British in 1919)

Then … Civil War between those who supported and those who opposed the Treaty until May 1923. The anti-Treaty faction opposed the Treaty on the grounds that it did not grant full Irish Independence.

British Oppression / Anti-British Sentiment

Ireland-1930s and 1940s

EXTREME POVERTY Ireland in the early 20th century was a poor country.

The great majority of the people were living in the countryside, or in country towns and villages.

In 1930, the majority of Ireland's population occupied small agricultural holdings.

– U.S. depression – no market for crops Big rains affected wheat crops bread rationing Slums: overcrowding, unsanitary conditions (raw

sewage, fleas, rats, lice)

Ireland-1930s and 1940s

Diphtheria and typhoid fever were rampant. Patients were treated in fever hospitals run by nuns.

Irish Catholicism was strict.