1933

February 25, 1933

De Valera's Economic War

On February 25, 1933, Éamon de Valera, then President of the Executive Council of the Irish Free State, initiated what became known as the "Economic War" with Britain. This dispute arose from de Valera's refusal to continue paying land annuities to the British government, which were repayments for loans advanced to Irish tenants to buy their land under various Land Acts. Britain retaliated by imposing duties on Irish agricultural exports, and Ireland responded with duties on British goods. This economic conflict significantly strained Anglo-Irish relations and had a profound impact on the Irish economy for several years.

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1933

Politics

May 3, 1933

De Valera's Government Removes Oath of Allegiance

Éamon de Valera's government enacted legislation on May 3, 1933, to abolish the Oath of Allegiance to the British Crown. This move fulfilled a key republican objective and represented a significant constitutional step towards greater Irish sovereignty. It further dismantled provisions of the Anglo-Irish Treaty and demonstrated de Valera's commitment to reducing Ireland's constitutional ties with Britain, while maintaining an external association with the Commonwealth.

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1933

Culture

October 20, 1933

"A Soldier's Song" Becomes National Anthem

On October 20, 1933, "A Soldier's Song" (Amhrán na bhFiann) was officially adopted as the National Anthem of Ireland. Written by Peader Kearney and composed by Patrick Heeney in 1907, the song gained popularity as a marching anthem among Irish Volunteers and the Irish Republican Army during the War of Independence. Following the establishment of the Irish Free State, its use continued within the army. The Irish government formally purchased the copyright for the song on this date, solidifying its status as a symbol of Irish national identity. The anthem was later translated into Irish by Liam Ó Rinn.

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