Éamon de Valera. The Formation of a Leader and the Republic

Abstract. The article is devoted to the consideration of the first stage of Éamon de Valera’s political activity, from the Easter Rising to the adoption of the Irish Constitution in 1937. Particular attention is paid to the positions and role of de Valera in the multidirectional processes of the Irish Revolution and the period of existence of the Irish Free State. The author comes to the conclusion that de Valera’s rhetoric and policies are characterized by the immutability of the strategic goal of creating a republic with relative flexibility in the tactics of achieving it in the event of a collision with the objective impossibility of its rapid implementation. At the same time, de Valera’s development as a politician was influenced by a long trip to the United States and the experience of interacting and establishing connections with American politicians and public organizations during the Irish Revolution. Shortly after the end of the Civil War, de Valera concentrated on the political struggle for a republic, creating the Fianna Fail party. After successful elections and gaining the position of President of the Executive Council, he focuses on dismantling the dominion and severing ties with the United Kingdom. The 1937 Constitution completes the implementation of the main goal of creating a sovereign republic.

Keywords: Éamon de Valera, Irish Revolution, Dáil Éireann, Fianna Fáil, Irish Free State.