Ireland

The 19th and 20th centuries were a period of profound transformation for Irish military history.

  • 19th Century:

    • Irish in the British Army: Despite ongoing political tensions, a significant number of Irishmen served in the British Army. They distinguished themselves in various conflicts, including the Napoleonic Wars and both World Wars.
    • Rise of Irish Nationalism: The 19th century witnessed a resurgence of Irish nationalism, fueled by movements like Irish Republican Brotherhood (IRB). These organizations sought Irish independence from British rule.

  • 20th Century:

    • Easter Rising (1916): An armed insurrection by Irish nationalists against British rule. While ultimately suppressed, it proved a pivotal event in the struggle for Irish independence.
    • Irish War of Independence (1919-1921): A guerrilla campaign waged by the Irish Republican Army (IRA) against British forces. This led to the Anglo-Irish Treaty and the partition of Ireland.
    • Irish Civil War (1922-1923): A conflict between pro-Treaty and anti-Treaty factions within Ireland, resulting from disagreements over the terms of the Anglo-Irish Treaty.
    • Establishment of the Irish Free State: The establishment of the Irish Free State (later the Republic of Ireland) in 1922 marked a significant turning point, with the creation of the Irish Defence Forces.

Military Industry:

  • Limited Development: Throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, Ireland had a limited indigenous military industrial base.