3. The Irish Free State, 1923-32
Overview - Cumann na nGaedhael
Following the end of the Civil War the pro-Treaty members of Sinn Féin formed Cumann na nGaedhael. This new party would lead the first government of the Irish Free State. WT Cosgrave, who fought in the GPO in 1916, became leader of Cumann na nGaedhael and the first President of the Irish Free State. From 1923 to 1932 the Cumann na nGaedhael government was responsible for a number of achievements:
- Setting up of An Garda Síochana
- Establishing an independent judiciary
- Setting up the Agricultural Credit Corporation (ACC)
- 1927 Electoral Amendment Act
- The Shannon Scheme
- Brought Ireland into League of Nations
- Statute of Westminster