The IRB, IRA, and Black and Tans

By: Nicole Sherretts12 January 2010

Irish Republican Brotherhood

Originally called the Irish Revolutionary Brotherhood.Founded in Dublin on St. Patrick’s Day in 1858.Founded by James StephensWas formed to makes ensure the formation of an independent Irish Republic.Primary purpose: to arrange an uprising in Ireland.

It was democratic in outlook and in membership. Its rank and file was from among ordinary working people.Was connected with the Fenian Brotherhood in the U.S. as they were created at the same time and both Brotherhoods were known as the Fenian Movement.Members were part of the Irish Volunteers and the Sinn Fein organizations, along with other various organizations.

Its Start and Connections

History of the IRB

The IRB was involved in the rescue of Fenian prisoners from Western Australia in 1876. The IRB played a key role in the Land War and the rise of Parnell. They had bombing campaigns in England in the 1880s.The IRB initially founded the GAA (The Gaelic Athletic Association).The Easter Rising of 1916 was organized by the Supreme Council of the IRB.

Many republicans blamed the secretiveness of the IRB for the confusion surrounding the Rising and for its failure.However, following it’s collapse after 1916, it was reorganized by Michael Collins as he believed they played a crucial role in gathering intelligence. By 1918 there were 350 IRB circles with a total membership of 3,000.

Its Order of Events

The Ending of the IRBDuring the War of Independence, however, the organization decreased in authority as the IRA gained more prominence. The IRB divided over the Treaty in December 1921.Having split and having members making a new splinter group made it impossible for the IRB to survive the effects of the Civil War and it disbanded in 1924.

Irish Republican ArmyFounded in 1919Organized by Michael Collins It was devoted to removing the British forces and British rule from Northern Ireland thus unifying Ireland.Formed by the militant members of the Irish Volunteers. It became the military wing of the Sinn Féin party.

Traditional IRA Activities

Bombings Assassinations Kidnappings Punishment beatings

Extortion SmugglingRobberiesBorder Raids

The Proof of the Violence of the IRA

A History of the IRAIRA waged a guerrilla campaign against British rule in Ireland in the 1919-21 Irish War of Independence.Was held responsible for the bomb explosions in England, which occurred in 1939. As a result hundreds of its

members were imprisoned.

During World War II many more IRA members were imprisoned without trial in Ireland.

In 1956 violence erupted in Northern Ireland and the IRA performed a series of border raids. Following violence against civil rights demonstrators and nationalists by the IRA it split into Provisional and Official wings in 1969, thus ending the original IRA. However, a descendant of the original IRA still remains today.

Black and Tans

Were originally just reinforcements for the Royal Irish Constabulary because in 1919 the RIC had had enough of being a source of attack for the IRB and IRA.They became known as the Black and Tans for their clothing. Around 9,500 men who were British ex‐soldiers and

sailors were recruited and joined the RIC and the RIC didn’t have enough uniforms so the new men were issued with khaki military trousers and dark green police tunics.

Also, even though RIC uniforms were later substituted, the name remained.

The Birth of the Black and Tans

The Reality of the Black and Tans

Unfortunately, the Black and Tans did not act as an adjunct to the RIC as originally planned because they lacked self-discipline. Because of this lack of discipline the the Black and Tans became known for their brutality.Therefore, they terrorized local communities and decided it was their job to make Ireland ‘hell for the rebels to live in’. An example of this brutality is the infamous attack

on the public in November 1920. A mass group of people were in Croke Park, Dublin, to watch a football match when the Black and Tans opened fire on the crowd, killing twelve people in retaliation for the murder of fourteen undercover detectives.

Source of quote: History Learning Site

The End of the Black and Tans

In the end the Black and Tans proved to be counterproductive as they caused civilians to give more support to the IRA.Therefore, the Black and Tans were pulled out of Ireland as part of the Anglo-Irish Treaty in December 1921.

Irish Republican Brotherhood Sources

“Irish Republican Brotherhood.” Encyclopedia.com. 9 Jan. 2010 <http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O48-IrishRepublicanBrotherhod.html>. “IRISH REPUBLICAN BROTHERHOOD.” University College Dublin. 9 Jan. 2010 <http://www.ucd.ie/archives/html/collections/irb.html>.Mac Donncha, Michael. “The Founding of the Fenians.” An Phoblacht. 13 Mar. 2008. 9 Jan. 2010 <http://www.anphoblacht.com/news/detail/26244>.“The Irish Republican Brotherhood (IRB).” BBC. 9 Jan. 2010 <http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/british/easterrising/profiles/. po17.shtml>.

Irish Republican Army Sources

“Irish Republican Army”. Infoplease. 9 Jan. 2010 <http://www.infoplease.com/encyclopedia/irish+republican+army>.“Irish Republican Army”. Encyclopedia.com. 9 Jan. 2010 <http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O48-IrishRepublicanArmy.html>.“Irish Republican Army”. The New York Times. 9 Jan. 2010 <http://topics.nytimes.com/topics/reference/timestopics/organizations/i/irish_republican_army/index.html>. “Irish Republican Army”. History.com. 9 Jan. 2010 <http://www.history.com/encyclopedia.do?vendorId=FWNE.fw..ir040800.a#FWNE.fw..ir040800.a>.Pike, John. ”Irish Republican Army (IRA)”. 21 July 2005. 9 Jan. 2010 <http://www.aresearchguide.com/monthdayabb.html>.

Black and Tans Sources“Black and Tans”. Encyclopedia.com. 9 Jan. 2010 <http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O245-BlackandTans.html>.“Black and Tans”. The Free Dictionary. 9 Jan. 2010 <http://encyclopedia.farlex.com/Black+and+Tans>.“The Black and Tans”. History Learning Site. 9 Jan. 2010 <http://www.historylearningsite.co.uk/black_and_tans.htm>.