Ireland during WWII: Policy of Neutrality.

World War II broke out on 1st September 19__ ___

• 1941

• 1939

• 1929

• 1945

When WWII broke out in September 1939, De Valera immediately announced Ireland would remain ___________.

• on the allied side

• neutral

• on the axis side (German side)

Which of the following are the reasons why Ireland remained neutral during the War. (3 correct answers here)

• As a statement of Irish independence from Britain.

• self protection - Ireland unable to defend itself

• just to annoy the British

• We had our Treaty Ports back

What was World War II referred to as in Ireland?

• 'the apocalypse'

• 'the Emergency'

• 'the inconvenience'

What did the Emergency Powers Bill introduce?

• more weather reports

• internment without trial

• strict censorship on radio, books, newspapers, letters etc.

Who threatened Irish neutrality?

• the British

• the Germans

• the French

• the IRA

Although the government declared Ireland to be 'neutral', they secretly helped the Allies.

• True.

• False.

How did Fianna Fáil respond to the IRA threat to neutrality?

• they ignored it

• they passed the Offences Against the State Act in June 1939

• they put members of the IRA on trial

What did the Offences Against the State Act introduce?

• internment without trial

• heavy fines

Was De Valera's ruthless action against the IRA successful in weakening the IRA?

• Yes it weakened the IRA as over 500 of them were interned and they weren't a threat again for the whole duration of the war.

• No had no impact in weakening the IRA.