A series of 13 programmes Written and presented by Robert Kee 9: Terror
In 1918 Sinn Fein, pledged to an independent Irish Republic, won a sweeping victory at the first British general election since the war. Irish nationalists set up a parliament of their own in Dublin. The scene was set for violent confrontation between the British forces of law and order and the newly created Irish Republican Army, directed by Michael Collins. Terror, as participants on both sides now recount, was answered by counter terror. By 1920 Ireland had become a grim battleground. Reinforcements for the police were provided by the Black and Tans and Auxiliaries. By 1921 British public opinion, the IRA and the British Army were equally exhausted and a truce was signed.
Film editor SIMON HAMMOND Producer JEREMY ISAACS