In explaining the background to the development of Cohalan’s nationalism, his work on behalf of Irish independence should be noted. Throughout his life, Cohalan remained a staunch supporter of the Irish nationalist cause. Cohalan’s grandfather and father left Cork at the height of the Famine in 1847 and, like the descendants of many Irish emigrants … Read more
The escalating tensions that led to this split have been much rehearsed by historians, especially those dealing with de Valera’s prolonged visit to the United States from June 1919 to October 1920. Conflicts took place between the two men on a number of issues, ranging from Irish policy towards the League of Nations to how … Read more
The Armstrong collection also provides a unique insight into life on the home front, which was no easier than life in the trenches. Mrs Armstrong and her three daughters, who spent most of the war years in Folkestone in Kent in order to be geographically as close to Pat as possible, came face to face … Read more
The weekly posts are primarily based on the letters and diaries of Captain William Maurice ‘Pat’ Armstrong, which provide first-hand accounts of events as they unfolded in the various theatres of war, and the diaries of his sister Jess and mother Rosalie, which illuminate civilian life during the conflict. Pat Armstrong was the son of … Read more
Probably the single most important event that poisoned the already strained relations with Britain was the seizure of the warships Sultan Osman and Res¸adiye on 31 July, before the outbreak of the war and the signing of the Turco-German alliance agreement. This was perceived as an act of open aggression and caused tremendous indignation and … Read more