eland, De Valera left for America to raise funds. He traveled around the U.S. and with the help of powerful Irish-Americans, was able to raise in excess of 5 million dollars. While he was overseas raising money for the cause, Collins led the fighting against the English. Using hit and run guerrilla tactics that would symbolize the IRA, he made the British negotiate. The delegation sent to gain independence for Ireland was led by Michael Collins. The proposed treaty by the English called for the removal of all troops from Ireland, the establishment of an Irish Free State and their own government. In return Ireland had to swear fealty to the king of England and Ulster would remain in the United Kingdom. At first, the delegates held out, but under pressure from British threats of renewed fighting, they broke down and signed, without consulting Dublin and De Valera. This treaty divided Ireland, and began a civil war. On one side was Collins and the supporters of the Irish Free State. They believed that the treaty was the best they were going to get, and that Ireland should take it. De Valera opposed the treaty from the start. He claimed it was not what the people wanted; it was not independence and unity. More importantly, there could be no independence without unity and therefore, and he would not advise that the Daile pass the treaty. Despite, his own efforts and those of his supporters, the treaty was ratified by a vote of 64 to 57. During the civil war that went on from July, 1922 to May, 1923, De Valera re-enlisted in the Republican cause as a private and took no part in controlling the actions of the Republican forces. Although Michael Collins was killed in an ambush, the Free state forces slowly ground down the Republicans with the support of British weapons and artillery. All attempts at compromise and peace failed. Only the surrender of the men fighting for the Republic would end the fighting, the Provisional Government run b...
