Ireland in the
1930s and 1940s
Source: Muckross Research
Library, Kerry, Ireland
Ireland-1930s and 1940s
British Oppression / Anti-British Sentiment
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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.
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.
–
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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
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Diphtheria and typhoid fever were rampant.
Patients were treated in fever hospitals run
by nuns.
Irish Catholicism was strict.