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

2. 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 (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 The anti-Treaty faction opposed the Treaty on the grounds that it did not grant full Irish Independence.

3. 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)

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