The Decline of Cumann Na nGaedheal and the Rise of Fianna Fail (Leaving Cert History): Revision Notes

The Decline of Cumann Na nGaedheal and the Rise of Fianna Fail

• By the early 1930s, Cumann na nGaedheal faced increasing political and economic challenges that would ultimately lead to its loss of power.
• After a decade in government, Cumann na nGaedheal had established the Irish Free State as a stable and internationally recognised entity, but its conservative policies and focus on maintaining the status quo left many Irish citizens feeling disillusioned, particularly in the context of the global economic depression.
• One key issue contributing to Cumann na nGaedheal's decline was the Great Depression, which began with the Wall Street Crash in 1929.
• Although Ireland was less industrialised than other countries, the economic downturn significantly impacted the Irish economy, especially in agriculture.
• Falling agricultural prices hit farmers hard, leading to widespread economic hardship in rural areas, where the majority of the population lived.
• The government's strict fiscal policies, including low public spending and high taxation, were criticised for being overly cautious and failing to address the people's urgent needs.
• As unemployment rose and living standards fell, public support for Cumann na nGaedheal began to erode.
• Another major factor was the growing discontent over the continued payment of land annuities to Britain. Irish farmers made these annuities for land purchased from British landlords before independence, and they were deeply unpopular.
• Many farmers saw the government's decision to continue these payments as a betrayal. They believed the money should be used to support the struggling Irish economy rather than sent to Britain.
• This issue became a rallying point for the opposition, particularly for Fianna Fáil, which promised to end the payments if elected.

Fianna Fáil's Rise to Power

• Fianna Fáil, led by Éamon de Valera, capitalised on the dissatisfaction with Cumann na nGaedheal's policies.
• Founded in 1926 by de Valera and other anti-Treaty republicans, Fianna Fáil positioned itself as a party of the people, promising to break away from the conservative policies of Cumann na nGaedheal and fight for Ireland's full independence.
• Fianna Fáil's platform included a commitment to ending the payment of land annuities, implementing protectionist economic policies to support Irish industry, and expanding social welfare programmes.
• De Valera was a charismatic leader who appealed to a broad base of voters, particularly those who had felt left behind by Cumann na nGaedheal's policies.
• He framed Fianna Fáil as the true inheritor of the republican cause, appealing to the memory of the 1916 Rising and the War of Independence.
• De Valera's promise to take a tougher stance on relations with Britain, particularly on the issue of land annuities, resonated with voters who were frustrated with the Cumann na nGaedheal government's perceived compromises.
• In the 1932 general election, Fianna Fáil ran a highly effective campaign focusing on these key issues.
• The party promised to protect Irish industry by imposing tariffs on foreign goods, to provide more support for the rural population, and to increase government intervention in the economy to create jobs and improve living standards.
• This message was particularly appealing in the context of the ongoing economic difficulties and the rising unemployment.

The 1932 Election and Transfer of Power

• The 1932 election marked a turning point in Irish politics. Fianna Fáil won 72 seats, making it the largest party in the Dáil, while Cumann na nGaedheal won 57 seats.
• Although Fianna Fáil did not have an outright majority, de Valera was able to form a government with the support of the Labour Party and a few independent TDs.
• This election was significant not only because it brought Fianna Fáil to power but also because it represented a peaceful transfer of power between two rival factions that had once been at war during the Civil War.
• Cumann na nGaedheal's loss of power was due to a combination of factors, including its inability to address the economic challenges of the time, its failure to connect with the concerns of ordinary citizens, and the effective campaign run by Fianna Fáil, which tapped into the deep-seated desire for a more radical approach to both domestic and foreign policy.
• The peaceful transfer of power to Fianna Fáil marked the beginning of a new chapter in Irish politics. De Valera and his party dominated the political landscape for the next several decades.

Legacy of Cumann na nGaedheal

• While Cumann na nGaedheal was criticised for its conservative approach, its decade in power laid the foundation for the Irish Free State.
• The party successfully established the institutions of the state, maintained law and order, and ensured international recognition of Ireland's independence.
• However, its downfall was rooted in its inability to adapt to the changing social and economic landscape of the 1930s, leaving the door open for Fianna Fáil's more populist and interventionist policies.
• After losing power, Cumann na nGaedheal eventually merged with other parties to form Fine Gael in 1933. This party would become one of the two dominant political parties in Ireland, alongside Fianna Fáil.

Were Cumann na nGaeldheal a Success? - 5 Key Points

• Cumann na nGaedheal successfully stabilised the Irish Free State after the chaos of the Civil War. They established a functioning government, maintained law and order, and gained international recognition for Ireland, helping to solidify its status as an independent country.
• The government followed conservative economic policies, focusing on fiscal discipline and avoiding debt. While this helped to keep the country financially stable, it also meant they were slow to address poverty, unemployment, and the effects of the Great Depression, leading to criticism that they were out of touch with ordinary people's needs.
• Cumann na nGaedheal tried to promote Irish culture, language, and identity, especially through the education system. However, these efforts had mixed results, as many people still preferred to speak English, and promoting the Irish language faced significant challenges.
• The government successfully established Ireland's presence on the international stage by joining the League of Nations and asserting the Free State's sovereignty. However, their handling of the Boundary Commission was disappointing, as it did not lead to significant changes in the border with Northern Ireland.
• Despite their successes in stabilising the country, Cumann na nGaedheal eventually lost popular support due to their conservative policies and inability to address economic and social challenges. This paved the way for Fianna Fáil to power in 1932, promising more radical changes.