This site has its foundations in the lack of information available on the Web with regard to this period of Irish history. Whilst general and brief in its content , it is designed to give a broad outline of how Ireland was affected both politically and economically during World War II. As there is little or no information on this topic on the Net this site will hopefully act as an incentive for future work to be done on the subject and posted up on the web.
Any queries with regard to the content of the piece , sourcing of information or referencing can be made via e-mail to Alan Chute
Background:Ireland pre 1939
Ireland's economy was in a state of transition at the outbreak of war in 1939. It was governed by the nationalist Fianna Fail party whose election under leader Eamonn de Valera in 1932 saw the creation of a state on a drive of self sufficiency , a drive that saw its autarkic policies influence until 1958 when they were abandoned for a future of greater prosperity
The 1930's saw a world depression and with the Economic War being waged with neighbours Britain , the Irish State expierenced its most depressing time economically since its independance in 1922.The sufferings of the economy and the agricultural sector especially came to an end in 1938 with a settlement between the feuding neighbours and inspiring hope for a fruitful period of increased exports , economic recovery and rising growth figures.The outbreak of war destroyed all optimism and hope of an economic recovery and once again this immature economy faced a test of it's newly found independance. The main aspects of importance were those of the greatest influence to the political and economic policy makers in the state at the time.These influences being:
Each of the above played a role crucial to the welfare of the economy and the level of National Income during the Emergency.