Who Were the IRA’s Rivals- A Timeline of the IRA’s Conflicts and Combatants
Who did the IRA fight? The Irish Republican Army (IRA) has been a central figure in Irish history, particularly during the late 20th century. This article delves into the various groups and entities against which the IRA fought, providing a comprehensive overview of its conflicts and objectives.
The IRA, founded in 1917, initially aimed to achieve Irish independence from British rule. Its primary adversary was the British government, which controlled much of Ireland during the early 20th century. The fight for independence was a central aspect of the IRA’s activities, and it engaged in a series of violent campaigns against British forces and institutions in Ireland.
One of the most significant periods of conflict involving the IRA was the Irish War of Independence (1919-1921). During this time, the IRA fought against the British Army and the Royal Irish Constabulary (RIC). The conflict was characterized by guerrilla warfare tactics, including ambushing British troops, assassinations, and the destruction of infrastructure. The goal was to weaken British control and force the British government to recognize Irish sovereignty.
After the signing of the Anglo-Irish Treaty in 1921, which established the Irish Free State, a new phase of conflict emerged. The IRA was divided into two factions: the Provisional IRA, which opposed the new Irish state and continued the fight for a united Ireland, and the Official IRA, which supported the Irish Free State. The Provisional IRA, led by figures like Séamus Robinson and later Michael Collins, targeted both the British and the Irish government.
During the 1930s and 1940s, the IRA focused its efforts on countering British influence in Northern Ireland, which remained part of the United Kingdom. The conflict during this period was primarily political and involved campaigns of civil disobedience, including the “blanket protests” and the “hunger strikes” of the 1970s. The IRA’s aim was to challenge British rule and promote the unification of Ireland.
Another significant adversary of the IRA was the British security forces, particularly the British Army and the Royal Ulster Constabulary (RUC). The IRA engaged in a violent campaign against these forces, resulting in numerous bombings, shootings, and assassinations. The conflict reached its peak during the Troubles, a period of intense violence in Northern Ireland from the late 1960s to the 1990s. The IRA was responsible for numerous attacks against British and Unionist targets, as well as the Provisional Irish Republican Army (PIRA), which was a splinter group of the Provisional IRA.
Throughout its existence, the IRA also faced opposition from other Irish republican groups, such as the Irish National Liberation Army (INLA) and the Irish People’s Liberation Army (IPLO). These groups had differing ideologies and tactics, often leading to internal conflicts and splintering within the Irish republican movement.
In conclusion, the IRA fought against a variety of adversaries throughout its history. From the British government and security forces to Irish republican groups with differing ideologies, the IRA’s struggle for Irish independence and unification was marked by intense violence and political intrigue. Understanding the various entities against which the IRA fought provides insight into the complex and tumultuous history of Ireland in the 20th century.
