The Irish Civil War: Free State vs Anti-Treaty Forces 1922-23

The History of Ireland: Rebellion, Empire, and Independence — Fexingo History · Jun 25, 2026 · 6m · transcript

Just months after the Anglo-Irish Treaty created the Irish Free State, the country descended into a bitter civil war. This episode unpacks the split between Michael Collins and Éamon de Valera, the bloody Battle of Dublin in June 1922, the death of Collins at Béal na mBláth, and the brutal legacy of the conflict. We explore key figures like Arthur Griffith, Liam Lynch, and Cathal Brugha, and discuss how the war shaped modern Irish politics. From the bombardment of the Four Courts to the controversial executions of anti-treaty prisoners, we cover the events that tore Ireland apart…