What War Did Tommy Shelby Fight In?
The Shelby brothers, led by Tommy Shelby, are the main protagonists of the popular British television series "Peaky Blinders". As the show’s narrative spans several years, from 1919 to 1926, it’s essential to identify the wars and conflicts that Tommy and his family might have been involved in.
The World War I
Tommy Shelby’s backstory is intricately tied to World War I, which lasted from 1914 to 1918. Born in 1890, Tommy was only 29 years old when the war ended. During his early years, Tommy worked as a bookmaker’s clerk, and later joined the Royal Warwickshire Regiment. He fought in several battles, including the Battle of the Somme, which was one of the bloodiest battles in the history of warfare.
The war had a profound impact on Tommy’s life, as it did for many soldiers who fought during this period. It’s during this time that Tommy’s leadership skills emerged, and he began to form connections with other soldiers. These relationships would later play a crucial role in his rise to power in Birmingham.
The Irish War of Independence and the Irish Civil War
In the aftermath of World War I, Tommy returned to Birmingham, where he became involved in the local gang scene. He joined the Birmingham Gang, a group of criminals who were largely involved in bootlegging and extortion. However, as the Irish War of Independence began in 1919, Tommy’s activities became increasingly entangled with the Irish Republican Army (IRA).
The IRA’s campaign for independence from the United Kingdom led to widespread violence and terrorism. Tommy’s connections with the IRA, particularly with Finn Shelby, his brother, made him a key figure in the gang’s illegal activities. The Shelby gang’s involvement in the black market and smuggling operations were closely linked to the IRA’s efforts to disrupt the British economy.
The Irish Civil War
Following the signing of the Anglo-Irish Treaty in 1921, the IRA split into two factions: those who supported the treaty and those who opposed it. The anti-treaty IRA, led by Éamon de Valera, continued to fight for independence, while the pro-treaty IRA, led by Michael Collins, supported the establishment of the Irish Free State.
Tommy’s brother, Finn, joined the anti-treaty IRA and fought in the Irish Civil War. This decision led to a rift in the Shelby family, as Tommy’s involvement with the pro-treaty IRA and his connections with Michael Collins placed him at odds with Finn and the anti-treaty IRA.
The British General Election of 1922 and the Peaky Blinders’ Rise to Power
The British General Election of 1922, which saw the Conservative Party win a landslide victory, marked a significant turning point in Tommy’s life. The election results solidified the Conservative Party’s grip on power, allowing them to pass the Education Act of 1922, which led to widespread poverty and unemployment in the working-class communities of Birmingham.
The Shelby gang, which had previously been involved in small-time crime, saw an opportunity to expand their illegal activities and capitalize on the poverty and desperation of the working class. With Tommy at the helm, the Peaky Blinders gang rose to power, using intimidation, violence, and bribery to control the streets of Birmingham.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Tommy Shelby fought in several conflicts throughout his life. His experiences during World War I shaped his leadership skills and forged connections that would later influence his actions in Birmingham. His involvement with the IRA, both during the Irish War of Independence and the Irish Civil War, further complicated his life and led to divisions within his own family.
As the Peaky Blinders gang rose to power in the aftermath of the British General Election of 1922, Tommy’s actions and decisions continued to be driven by his experiences in World War I and his involvement in the Irish conflicts.
