The Irish Civil War 1922-1923: The Hundredth Anniversary

The period represents perhaps one of the saddest times in Irish history. The Treaty, signed in 1921, did not provide for an independent republic for which the IRA fought. Instead it offered dominion status, requiring loyalty to the Crown, and partition of the six Counties. The Treaty was vehemently rejected by major segments of the IRA. Republican forces occupied the Four Courts in June 1922 and the Irish Civil War had begun.

This presentation, through use of multi-media presentation, will discuss the events leading to Civil War, the leaders, the violence, and its aftermath.

Professor William Matthews received his Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the University of Connecticut in 1980. He joined the faculty of the College of Education at the University of Massachusetts-Amherst where he was a professor for 30 years. He has published numerous articles and edited books on various aspects of psychology. He is Viet Nam combat veteran. He retired from the faculty in 2010 and is now an Emeritus professor in the College of Education where he continues to teach.Professor Matthews is a first generation Irish American who holds both American and Irish citizenship.

A special thank you to the Friends of the Library for their funding of this program