The Geopolitics of Anglo-Irish Relations in the Twentieth Century

Download or read book The Geopolitics of Anglo-Irish Relations in the Twentieth Century written by Geoffrey R. Sloan and published by A&C Black. This book was released on 1997-09-25 with total page 350 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Anglo-Irish relations in the twentieth century can be described as being close but tortuous. This paradox is fused with Ireland's geographical location - both isolated from Europe and in close proximity to the main island of the British archipelago. Using a geopolitical analysis based on the theories of Sir Halford Mackinder, this book provides a new understanding of the strategic imperatives that have driven British policy throughout the turbulent events of the twentieth century. Containing material which has only recently been released by the Public Record Office, this book brings an entirely new perspective to the reality of Irish neutrality, and the pivotal importance of Northern Ireland in the Battle of the Atlantic during the Second World War. Furthermore, using US archival material, it gives a new insight into Ireland's geopolitical importance in the First World War, and her contribution to victory against the German U-boats.