Source: Muckross Research Library, Kerry, Ireland Ireland in the 1930s and 1940s Source: Muckross Research Library, Kerry, Ireland

Ireland-1930s and 1940s British Oppression / Anti-British Sentiment The Irish Free State came into being at the end of 1922, following the signing of a Treaty with England in December 1921. (Ended the War of Independence, which had commenced against the British in 1919) Then … Civil War between those who supported and those who opposed the Treaty until May 1923. The anti-Treaty faction opposed the Treaty on the grounds that it did not grant full Irish Independence.

Ireland-1930s and 1940s EXTREME POVERTY Ireland in the early 20th century was a poor country. The great majority of the people were living in the countryside, or in country towns and villages. In 1930, the majority of Ireland's population occupied small agricultural holdings. U.S. depression – no market for crops Big rains affected wheat crops  bread rationing Slums: overcrowding, unsanitary conditions (raw sewage, fleas, rats, lice)

Ireland-1930s and 1940s Diphtheria and typhoid fever were rampant. Patients were treated in fever hospitals run by nuns. Irish Catholicism was strict.