Anglo-Irish War, 1916-1921: A Study in Misunderstanding

摘要

This paper focuses on why Britain, with overwhelming advantages in size and strength, was defeated by a small group of untrained, ill-equipped Irish nationalists whose membership probably never numbered more than 5,000. The central point is Britain did not understand the nature of this war and why the Irish were fighting. This lack of understanding crippled decision-making and operations leading to their political and moral defeat. Illustrated by examining four characteristics: command and control; will of both sides; intelligence and propaganda.