Propaganda and Nation Building: Selling the Irish Free State - Routledge New Directions in PR & Communication Research 1st edition

"This book examines the origins of the Irish state in its first independent incarnation, the Irish Free State (1922-1937). It explores how contemporary public relations and propaganda techniques were used to construct an identity at home and abroad for the new state--a state which emerged from seven years of insurrection and civil war to become one of the most stable democracies in Europe. The book argues that this stability was built using symbols--from the army, police, native sports to literature, flag, anthem and currency--to construct a Gaelic, Catholic and Celtic national identity. Focussing on how nationhood was communicated, its interdisciplinary narrative initiates a new understanding of nation building, one which remains relevant for current nationhood struggles. Avoiding a simplistic cause and effect history, the book examines the uses and effects of early PR from a political and societal perspective and elevates propaganda by pointing to its success--the creation of a stable democracy. As a study of public relations' origins, it shows that its evolution in Ireland has not been fully appreciated by scholars of Irish and public relations histories"--Provided by publisher.