United States foreign policy and Ireland

From empire to independence, 1913–29

Bernadette Whelan

‘In this monumental work, Whelan examines how US policy influenced Ireland and even how Irish concerns influenced US foreign policy’, Books Ireland.

‘There are many reasons to welcome this major work on US foreign policy and Ireland from 1913 to 1929 ... This book deserves to be placed in every public library and to be widely read, especially by those with any interest in the complex relationship between Ireland and the US’, Seán Donlon, Irish Independent.

'Rich in documentary evidence, taking the novel and interesting approach of viewing Ireland’s development as an independent state through the diplomatic eyes of three successive American administrations’, Frank Bouchier-Hayes, History Ireland.

‘A definitive work on US policy toward Ireland during the presidencies of Woodrow Wilson, Warren Harding, and Calvin Coolidge … [A] first rate volume … Essential.’ J.D. Doenecke, Choice.

'This is a fine study and the importance of the theme cannot be over-emphasized,' David Harkness, The International History Review.

‘Bernadette Wilson’s study, the first of a projected series on U.S.-Irish relations, is…a highly ambitious one in terms of its range and sources. It encompasses foreign relations in their widest sense, diplomacy and the Irish diaspora ... The range of Whelan’s archival research in America, Ireland and Britain is thorough and impressive, and will make this an indispensable work of reference', Deirdre McMahon, Irish Historical Studies (May 2008).

‘Whelan’s success lies in describing this important period of Irish history in a wider international context … Whelan’s book reminds us that the creation of a successful sovereign state does not end on the day of independence. It offers a valuable insight into Ireland’s position in world politics prior to 1922 and the difficulties for small states in asserting their interests against the dominant powers thereafter. It also contributes to our understanding of the administration and construction of US foreign policy and the interaction between the two states', Kevin O’Sullivan, Irish Economic and Social History (Spring 2011).