Podcast
Questions and Answers
What action did Éamon de Valera take when World War II began?
What action did Éamon de Valera take when World War II began?
What was the 'Emergency Powers Act' primarily designed to do?
What was the 'Emergency Powers Act' primarily designed to do?
What was the main purpose of the strict censorship introduced during 'The Emergency'?
What was the main purpose of the strict censorship introduced during 'The Emergency'?
What was the purpose of the Compulsory Tillage Orders introduced by Sean Lemass?
What was the purpose of the Compulsory Tillage Orders introduced by Sean Lemass?
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What role did the ‘Glimmer Man’ have during ‘The Emergency’?
What role did the ‘Glimmer Man’ have during ‘The Emergency’?
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How did people in Ireland primarily compensate for the shortages caused by rationing during World War II?
How did people in Ireland primarily compensate for the shortages caused by rationing during World War II?
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Why was the North Strand in Dublin bombed by the Luftwaffe in 1941?
Why was the North Strand in Dublin bombed by the Luftwaffe in 1941?
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What was the IRA's stance during 'The Emergency'?
What was the IRA's stance during 'The Emergency'?
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Study Notes
Ireland During WWII: The Emergency
- Éire's Neutrality: Southern Ireland (Éire) declared neutrality in 1939, aiming to maintain independence from the conflict.
Emergency Powers Act
- Increased Government Control: The Emergency Powers Act granted the government greater control over daily life, including censorship, internment, and economic management.
Strict Censorship
- Protecting Neutrality through Censorship: Strict censorship was imposed to shield the population from the war. Newspapers, radio, films, theatres, and even postal/telephone communications were controlled.
Rationing
- Scarcity Measures: Rationing was introduced due to material shortages (food, clothing, fuel). Ration books with coupons were used for exchanging goods.
Agricultural Regulations
- Compulsory Tillage Orders: Minister Lemass introduced compulsory crop production to reduce reliance on imports, boosting agricultural output.
Resource Management
- Fuel Conservation: The "Glimmer Man" monitored household fuel usage to maintain conservation.
Adapting to Shortages
- Community & Black Market: People adapted through reusing items, bartering, and sometimes purchasing goods on the black market.
Bombing of Dublin
- The North Strand Bombing: A Luftwaffe bombing of the North Strand in 1941 killed 28 and destroyed homes, potentially linked to Éire's aid to Belfast's blitz.
Defence & International Relations
- Local Defense Forces: Local defense forces were established to guard against potential invasion.
- Allied Assistance: Ireland allowed British and American troops to traverse the border.
- Internment of Foreign Nationals: British, American and German pilots involved in crashes were interned.
- IRA Activity: The IRA planned an invasion of Northern Ireland with German support, potentially endangering neutrality. De Valera responded with internment of IRA members.
Overall Impact
- Limited War Impact: Despite challenges like rationing and security threats, life in Éire during the war remained relatively unaffected compared to other war-torn countries.
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Description
Explore the unique state of Ireland during World War II, known as 'The Emergency'. This quiz covers topics such as Éire's neutrality, the Emergency Powers Act, censorship, rationing, and agricultural regulations that shaped daily life during this tumultuous period.
