Shadow of a Taxman: Who Funded the Irish Revolution?

During the Irish War of Independence, the Irish Republic raised £370,165 from 140,000 people in Ireland and nearly $6m from 300,000 people in the United States by selling war bonds. Shadow of a Taxman identifies the subscribers to these bonds and provides the first demographic analysis of non-combatant supporters of Irish independence.

Format: Hardback
Length: 336 pages
Publication date: 19 April 2022
Publisher: Oxford University Press

The untold story of how the Irish Republic raised money, from its inception to its eventual recognition, is explored in Shadow of a Taxman. This comprehensive investigation delves into the intricate details of how the Republic solicited, collected, transmitted, and safeguarded its funds, as well as identifying the financial backers and the potential influences that shaped their decisions to contribute.

The Republic's quest for funds took its emissaries on an international journey, reaching as far as New York, Buenos Aires, Cape Town, and Melbourne, as well as virtually every parish in Ireland. To raise funds, they employed various strategies, including selling war bonds to supporters. These bonds promised a return to subscribers once British forces had left Ireland and an independent Irish Republic had been internationally recognised.

By leveraging newly uncovered documents, Shadow of a Taxman unveils the identities of these subscribers. Through meticulous cross-referencing with census returns, intelligence reports, memoirs, and IRA membership rolls, it provides the first demographic analysis of non-combatant supporters of Irish independence on the eve of its realisation. The book also sheds light on how access to funds shaped the course of the Irish War of Independence and ultimately influenced Irish republicans' negotiating position with the British government in 1921.

The financial backers of the Irish Republic were a diverse group, including individuals, corporations, and even foreign governments. Some were motivated by a genuine desire for Irish independence, while others saw it as an opportunity to advance their own political or economic interests. The Republic's ability to raise funds was crucial in sustaining its war effort and building its infrastructure.

However, the fundraising efforts were not without challenges. The Republic faced opposition from both the British government and its own citizens, who were sceptical of its motives and the use of funds. The Republic also had to navigate complex legal and regulatory frameworks, which made it difficult to secure funding from international sources.

Despite these obstacles, the Republic's fundraising efforts were successful, and it was able to raise significant amounts of money. The war bonds sold to supporters in Ireland and the United States played a crucial role in this success, providing a source of funding that helped to sustain the Republic's war effort and build its infrastructure.

In conclusion, Shadow of a Taxman offers a fascinating insight into the untold story of how the Irish Republic raised money. Through its comprehensive investigation, the book sheds light on the strategies employed by the Republic, the identities of its financial backers, and the impact that access to funds had on the course of the Irish War of Independence and the subsequent negotiations with the British government. This book is a valuable contribution to the understanding of Irish history and the struggle for independence.

Weight: 520g
Dimension: 223 x 145 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780192849625