Englishmen And Irish Troubles; British Public Opinion And The Making Of Irish Policy, 1918-22

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In October 1968, a long-dormant issue resurfaced in British society as Irish questions regained prominence in the media, evoking familiar terms like "loyalist," "separatist," and "Irish Republican Army." This work examines British perspectives on the "Irish question" from 1918 to 1922, focusing on how public opinion influenced government policy during this critical period. It begins with the December 1918 general election, where Lloyd George's coalition sought a mandate for Irish self-government. The narrative follows the ensuing conflict up to June 1922, culminating in the British Government's acceptance of the Irish Free State's draft constitution, which sparked the Irish civil war. The author utilizes a diverse array of British newspapers, periodicals, pamphlets, and private papers of key figures to shed light on the complexities of British involvement in Ireland and the historical roots of the crisis that erupted in 1968. Additionally, the book offers a broader analysis of the interplay between public opinion and government policy in democratic contexts. D. G. Boyce, born in 1942, has a background in modern history and has taught politics and modern warfare at University College, Swansea, since 1971. His earlier works include notable publications on Irish history and British politics.