Éamon de Valera Facts & Worksheets

Éamon de Valera was a prominent Irish political leader and statesman who played a significant role in the history of Ireland during the 20th century. He is primarily known for his involvement in the struggle for Irish independence from British rule and his subsequent contributions to Irish politics.

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Key Facts & Information

EARLY LIFE AND EDUCATION

• Éamon de Valera was born in New York City, United States, on October 14, 1882. His parents, Catherine Coll and Juan Vivion de Valera, were Irish immigrants. 
• When Éamon was just two years old, his father died, leaving his mother to raise him and his siblings. In 1885, Catherine Coll de Valera returned to her native Ireland, settling in Bruree, County Limerick.
• De Valera’s early life in Ireland was marked by financial hardship, but he displayed academic promise from a young age. He attended the local national school in Bruree and later went on to study at Blackrock College, a prestigious Catholic secondary school in Dublin. 
• After completing his secondary education, he entered the Royal University (now University College Dublin) to study mathematics and science.
• During his time at university, de Valera developed a keen interest in the Irish language and culture. He became involved in the Gaelic League, an organization dedicated to the preservation and promotion of the Irish language and cultural heritage. 
• His involvement in the Gaelic League marked the beginning of his political activism, as he became increasingly committed to the cause of Irish nationalism and the struggle for independence from British rule.
• De Valera’s academic pursuits were interrupted by his involvement in the Easter Rising of 1916, where he played a prominent role as a Commandant in the Irish Volunteers. 
• His participation in the rebellion led to his arrest and imprisonment by British authorities. During his time in prison, he began to be known as “Dev,” a common abbreviation of his name.
• While in prison, de Valera continued his studies, focusing on Irish history and politics.
• His experiences during the Easter Rising and his subsequent imprisonment deepened his commitment to the cause of Irish independence and set the stage for his future political career.
• After his release from prison, de Valera became increasingly involved in Irish politics, eventually rising to one of the most influential and enduring figures in Irish history. 
• His early education, combined with his experiences in the struggle for independence, shaped his political ideology and laid the foundation for his leadership in the years to come.

POLITICAL CAREER

• Éamon de Valera had a long and influential political career in Ireland, spanning several decades. 
• His political journey was marked by his dedication to Irish nationalism and his significant role in shaping the political landscape of Ireland during the 20th century. Here is an overview of his political career:
• Early Involvement in Sinn Féin: After his release from prison following the Easter Rising of 1916, de Valera joined Sinn Féin, a political party that advocated for Irish independence. He was elected as the Member of Parliament (MP) for East Clare in the 1918 general election, running on a Sinn Féin platform.
• Sinn Féin’s MPs refused to take their seats in the British Parliament and instead established the First Dáil Éireann in January 1919, where de Valera served as the President of the Dáil.
• Irish War of Independence: De Valera played a leading role in the Irish War of Independence (1919-1921), serving as both the President of the Dáil and the Chief of Staff of the Irish Republican Army (IRA). He was a key negotiator in the truce talks with the British government, which ultimately led to the Anglo-Irish Treaty of 1921.
• Opposition to the Treaty: Although de Valera participated in the negotiations, he strongly opposed the terms of the Anglo-Irish Treaty, which established the Irish Free State as a self-governing dominion within the British Commonwealth.
• This disagreement with other Irish leaders, notably Michael Collins, led to a bitter split and the outbreak of the Irish Civil War (1922-1923).
• Founding of Fianna Fáil: After the Civil War, de Valera founded the Fianna Fáil party in 1926. The party aimed to establish a fully independent Irish republic and attracted significant support from those who had opposed the treaty. De Valera served as the leader of Fianna Fáil and helped the party grow rapidly.
• Taoiseach and Constitutional Reforms: De Valera became the Taoiseach (Prime Minister) of Ireland in 1932, leading the first Fianna Fáil government. During his time in office, he implemented significant constitutional reforms, including drafting and enacting the Irish Constitution (Bunreacht na hÉireann) in 1937, which established Ireland as a sovereign republic.
• Neutrality During World War II: De Valera maintained a policy of neutrality for Ireland during World War II. This decision aimed to keep Ireland out of the conflict, and it was a controversial stance at the time, given the global nature of the war.
• Longevity in Office: De Valera served as Taoiseach of Ireland on several occasions between 1932 and 1959, making him one of the longest-serving leaders in Irish history. He also served as President of Ireland from 1959 to 1973, a largely ceremonial role.
• De Valera’s political career was marked by his dedication to achieving complete Irish independence and his contributions to shaping the Irish state, its institutions, and its constitution. 

ACHIEVEMENTS AS PRIME MINISTER

• De Valera, during his multiple terms as Taoiseach (Prime Minister) of Ireland, achieved several notable accomplishments and implemented significant policies that had a lasting impact on the country. Here are some of his principal achievements as Prime Minister:
• Constitutional Reforms: The adoption of the Irish Constitution (Bunreacht na hÉireann) in 1937 replaced the earlier 1922 constitution of the Irish Free State and established Ireland as a sovereign, independent republic. 
• It outlined the framework of government, the rights of citizens, and the role of the President, among other provisions.
• Economic Policies: De Valera’s governments implemented various economic policies, including protectionist measures and the promotion of economic self-sufficiency. These policies were aimed at reducing Ireland’s economic dependence on Britain and fostering industrial and agricultural development within the country.
• Education Reforms: His administration made significant investments in education. Notably, de Valera’s government expanded access to secondary education and introduced reforms aimed at providing a more comprehensive and accessible education system for all Irish citizens.
• Promotion of Irish Culture: De Valera was a staunch advocate for the preservation and promotion of the Irish language and culture.
• His government supported initiatives to revive the Irish language, literature, and traditional arts. He established the Irish-speaking radio station Raidió Éireann (later Radio Éireann) to promote the Irish language and culture.
• Infrastructure Development: Under de Valera’s leadership, various infrastructure projects were initiated, including the Shannon hydroelectric scheme, which provided electricity to large parts of the country. 
• Land Reforms: His administration continued land reforms initiated in earlier decades to redistribute land ownership in Ireland. These policies sought to break up large estates and provide land to smallholders.

Éamon de Valera Worksheets

This fantastic bundle includes everything you need to know about Éamon de Valera across 24 in-depth pages. These ready-to-use worksheets are perfect for teaching kids about Éamon de Valera. Éamon de Valera was a prominent Irish political leader and statesman who played a significant role in the history of Ireland during the 20th century.

Complete List of Included Worksheets

Below is a list of all the worksheets included in this document.

1. Éamon de Valera Facts
2. Ireland in the 20th Century
3. The Irishman
4. Man of Many Careers
5. The Taoiseach
6. Leadership Qualities
7. The Irish Civil War
8. The Value of Independence
9. The Irish Constitution
10. Think Like a Leader!
11. Timeless Wisdom

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was Éamon de Valera?

Éamon de Valera was an Irish statesman and politician who played a prominent role in the struggle for Irish independence and the subsequent development of the Irish state. He was born on October 14, 1882, in New York City, USA, but later became an important figure in Irish history.

What was Éamon de Valera’s role in the Irish War of Independence?

During the Irish War of Independence (1919-1921), Éamon de Valera was a leader of the Irish Republican movement and served as the President of the Irish Republic. He played a central role in negotiating with the British government and participated in the drafting of the Anglo-Irish Treaty of 1921, which led to the establishment of the Irish Free State.

How long did Éamon de Valera serve as the Prime Minister (Taoiseach) of Ireland?

Éamon de Valera served as the Prime Minister (Taoiseach) of Ireland for a total of 21 years, in different terms. He first held the office from 1932 to 1948, then from 1951 to 1954, and finally from 1957 to 1959. He was also President of Ireland from 1959 to 1973.

What is Éamon de Valera’s role in the drafting of the Irish Constitution?

Éamon de Valera played a significant role in drafting the Irish Constitution, which was adopted in 1937. He served as the President of the Executive Council (equivalent to Prime Minister) at the time. The constitution established Ireland as a sovereign state, known as Éire in the Irish language, and defined its political and legal structure.

What is Éamon de Valera’s legacy in Ireland?

Éamon de Valera is a polarizing figure in Irish history. He is credited with shaping modern Ireland and was instrumental in the country’s transition from British rule to an independent nation. His legacy includes the establishment of the Irish Constitution, the preservation of Irish neutrality during World War II, and the development of Ireland’s education system. However, he also faced criticism for his authoritarian style of leadership and his role in the Irish Civil War. Despite the mixed opinions, he remains an influential figure in Irish history.

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