Event—Adult Education

The Irish Struggle for Independence, 1919-1923

In this seminar we will discuss the tumultuous events that led to the establishment of an independent Ireland, from the aftermath of the Easter Rising of 1916 through the establishment of the Irish Free State.

Cost and Registration Information

Early Registration Price (by May 19): $240
Regular Price (after May 19): $264

Register Here

Seminar Description

In this seminar we will discuss the tumultuous events that led to the establishment of an independent Ireland, from the aftermath of the Easter Rising of 1916 through the establishment of the Irish Free State. Topics will include the creation of Dáil Éireann, the role of Michael Collins in the War for Independence, the negotiations that led to the Anglo-Irish Treaty of 1921, splits in the republican movement over the Treaty, and the resultant Irish Civil War. Eight sessions.

Frank A. Biletz received his Ph.D. in history from the University of Chicago, with a primary specialization in modern British and Irish history. He is currently Adjunct Instructor in History at Loyola University Chicago. He has been teaching seminars at the Newberry since 1994.

Materials List

Required:

  • O'Malley, Ernie. On Another Man's Wound: A Personal History of Ireland's War of Independence. Boulder, CO: Roberts Rinehart Publishers, 1999. ISBN# 978-1589790049.
  • Townshend, Charles. The Republic: The Fight for Irish Independence. New York and London: Penguin Books, 2014. ISBN# 978-0141030043.
    • Note: This book is out of print, but there are used copies available on Amazon and elsewhere.

First Readings:

  • For the first class meeting, participants should read Ernie O'Malley's, On Another Man's Wound: A Personal History of Ireland's War of Independence, chapters one through five.

This class is part of the Newberry’s Adult Education Seminars Program. Learn more about our registration procedures.