Irish Free State Army

The Irish Free State Army, also known as the National Army, was formed from pro-treaty factions of the Irish Republican Army (IRA) following the Anglo-Irish Treaty of 1921. This treaty ended the Irish War of Independence but created deep divisions among Irish nationalists.

The treaty established an independent Irish Free State within the British Empire, but required an oath of allegiance to the British monarch. This was unacceptable to many, including Eamon de Valera, leading to the Irish Civil War (1922-1923) between pro-treaty and anti-treaty forces. The pro-treaty faction, which formed the National Army, ultimately prevailed, securing control of the country and establishing the new government.