Timeline of the Irish War of Independence

1918 General Election

The Sinn Féin party, advocating for Irish independence, wins a majority of Irish seats in the British Parliament, leading to the establishment of the Irish Republic.

First Dáil

The first meeting of the Irish Parliament, the Dáil Éireann, where the Irish Republic is formally declared.

Considered the first major action of the War of Independence, where two Royal Irish Constabulary (RIC) officers were killed by the IRA.

Flying Columns

As Director of Intelligence for the Irish Republican Army (IRA), Collins organized the creation of "Flying Columns"—small, mobile units of armed volunteers used for guerrilla warfare tactics.

The British Intelligence War

Collins was instrumental in establishing a sophisticated intelligence network across Ireland. His spies infiltrated British military and police units, providing valuable information for IRA operations.

Cork Train Ambush

Collins was involved in the planning and execution of an ambush on a British military train in County Cork. This attack was a critical example of the guerrilla tactics employed by Collins and the IRA.

Burning of Cork

A major act of reprisal by British forces, where large parts of Cork city were burned down.

Custom House Attack

An assault on Dublin's Custom House by the IRA, which struck a blow to British administration but led to the capture of many IRA members.

Collins was a key figure in the negotiation of the Anglo-Irish Treaty, the agreement that formally ended the War of Independence, establishing the Irish Free State as a dominion within the British Empire.

Outbreak of the Irish Civil War

The division over the Anglo-Irish Treaty leads to a civil war between Collins led pro-Treaty forces and anti-Treaty Republicans, who opposed the compromises made in the agreement.

Michael Collins, a key leader and pro-treaty advocate, is ambushed and killed in County Cork, marking a tragic end to his role in Irish history.