Turning Points in Twentieth Century Irish History

Irish history has always turned on a variety of axes, or 'turning points', beyond the accounts of high politics. In acknowledging the profound changes that have shaped new approaches to research and writing within the historical discipline, Irish historiography now embraces not only the re-examination of pivotal events, but also eclectic dimensions that further enrich our understanding of the broader narrative. In this work, essays exploring themes such as political murders during the Revolutionary period, and the nature of women's employment and political activity complement fresh assessments of more orthodox turning points including the Easter Rising, Irish neutrality, and the Northern peace process. The contributions of thirteen leading scholars make this work a remarkable new assessment of modern Irish history.

Professor Thomas E. Hachey is University Professor of History and Executive Director of the Centre for Irish Programmes at Boston College, USA. He is a co-editor of the Irish Literary Supplement and is a past president of the American Conference for Irish Studies (ACIS).