Theological Studies - Michael Collins and the Troubles (northern Ireland)

MICHAEL COLLINS AND THE TROUBLES (NORTHERN IRELAND)

Introduction

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Introduction

This paper provides an analysis of Michael Collins and his link to “the Troubles”. The paper reflects on the Civil War in Northern Ireland and the struggle for independence that Ireland went through. The paper hypothesizes that “the Troubles” is used to portray Michael Collins’ life and the hard times that country’s go through as they fight for their freedom and for their civil rights. The paper hypothesizes that Michael Collins was a revolutionary leader of Ireland towards the fight against the British Empire although his terrorism acts are seen reflected by the bombs and assassinations ordered in his name (John, 2007).

Background about Michael Collins

Michael Collins is a well-known Irish soldier, revolutionary leader and politician who led the Irish to independence during the early 20th century (Turner, 2017). Ireland was fighting to break free from the British Empire that had colonized them for a long period for their own self-interests. When the British Empire decided to implement conscription in Ireland, Collins run off because he feared a call-up. As the organizing-in-chief of the Irish Republican Brotherhood, Collins won the seat for South Cork in the year 1918. His fight against Britain in 1921 has made him one of the revolutionary leaders of all time. With the Irish Republican Army, Collins was able to send assassins against every British agent in Ireland. Collins held so many leadership positions in Ireland even after becoming the President of the Irish Republican Brotherhood (John, 2007).

In addition to that, he led an Irish delegation that was held in London for a peace conference. This conference led to the signing of the Anglo-Irish Treaty dated December 1921 that led to the existence of the Irish Free State. Collins was later killed in County Cork by anti-treaty ARI individuals during a raid that left many people dead (Collins, 2014). The view that we all have of Michael Collins varies with what we believe; he can be viewed a legendary hero that freed Ireland from the Great Britain or can a self, prototypical terrorist. However, some of the major figures in the political world that view themselves as revolutionists have time and again used Collins’ tactics to deal with various diplomatic issues facing their countries. Before the Civil War, Collins was just a hero to Ireland but everything changed when he signed the peace treaty with Britain.  

Why Michael Collins is important to “The Troubles”

Michael Collins played a major role in, “The Troubles” that refers to the ethno-nationalist conflicts that Northern Ireland went through (McCarthy, 2016). Many activists and Irish people see him as an inspiration for freedom and peace regardless of the assassinations and acts of crime he committed. However, the supporters of IRA viewed his movement as a betrayal to their brotherhood and hence saw the film as a way of glorifying a traitor (Anne, 2006). “The Troubles” serve as a memory of Michael Collins and this has attracted various movie directors to produce films.