The Two Irelands, 1912-1939

The partition of Ireland created two states embodying rival ideologies and representing two hostile peoples. Despite their mutual antagonism, nationalist and Unionist revolutionaries actually had much in common: both rebelled against British authority; both relied on fraternal solidarity; both faced civil wars once they had secured local power; and, once in control, both proved intolerant of minorities and dissent.

David Fitzpatrick's narrative begins with the Government of Ireland Bill of 1912 and closes with the imposition of the Emergency Powers Act in 1939. This is the first sustained integration of the political history of the two Irelands in the era of revolution and partition.