Changes

During the period between the Irish Civil War and [[World War II]], the IRA was largely engaged in social issues, which they approached from a left-wing perspective. While a number of IRA men joined the socialist and communist [[International Brigades]] during the [[Spanish Civil War]], they engaged in generally non-violent protest in Ireland. This approach was unpopular, partially due to the influence of the [[Roman Catholic Church]] in Ireland, and IRA membership dwindled.

During the period between the Irish Civil War and [[World War II]], the IRA was largely engaged in social issues, which they approached from a left-wing perspective. While a number of IRA men joined the socialist and communist [[International Brigades]] during the [[Spanish Civil War]], they engaged in generally non-violent protest in Ireland. This approach was unpopular, partially due to the influence of the [[Roman Catholic Church]] in Ireland, and IRA membership dwindled.

In 1938, however, the IRA began preparing plans to return to war with a bombing campaign in England. The IRA also sought the assistance of [[Nazi Germany]], but in the end the Abwehr provided little assistance. The IRA campaign had little effect, largely due to repressive measures taken by the British and Irish governments.  

In 1938, however, the IRA began preparing plans to return to war with a bombing campaign in England. The IRA also sought the assistance of [[Nazi Germany]], but in the end the Abwehr provided little assistance.<ref>Tim Pat Coogan, "The IRA: A History," Chapter 9, "The IRA and the Nazis," pages 151-162.</ref> The IRA campaign had little effect, largely due to repressive measures taken by the British and Irish governments.  

At the time of the Second World War, the [[Irish Free State]] was under the governance of [[Eamon de Valera]] and the Fianna Fail Party. Faced with an upsurge of terrorist violence, de Valera began interning IRA members without trial in the [[Curragh Camp]] in County Kildare. IRA men accused of capital crimes were tried by military tribunals and in some cases received the [[death penalty]].<ref> Tim Pat Coogan, "The IRA: A History," pages 143-150.</ref>  

At the time of the Second World War, the [[Irish Free State]] was under the governance of [[Eamon de Valera]] and the Fianna Fail Party. Faced with an upsurge of terrorist violence, de Valera began interning IRA members without trial in the [[Curragh Camp]] in County Kildare. IRA men accused of capital crimes were tried by military tribunals and in some cases received the [[death penalty]].<ref> Tim Pat Coogan, "The IRA: A History," pages 143-150.</ref>