Michael Collins, who had played a pivotal role in the struggle for Irish independence, was at the forefront of the pro-Treaty forces during the Irish Civil War. The conflict was primarily born out of disagreement over the Anglo-Irish Treaty, which established the Irish Free State but also recognized the partitioning of Ireland and maintained ties with the British Crown. On August 22, he was traveling from County Kerry to Cork when his convoy encountered anti-Treaty Republicans who had set up an ambush. Collins and his men were caught off guard as gunfire erupted from the surrounding hills. Despite being a military leader, Collins chose not to use excessive force, hoping to secure a resolution through dialogue. In the ensuing chaos, Collins was shot in the head and died almost instantly. The news of his death sent shockwaves across the nation, deeply impacting both sides of the civil war. Collins was not only a military leader but also a symbol of hope and unity for many who aspired for a stable and independent Ireland. His leadership style, characterized by a combination of military acumen and political savvy, was admired even by his adversaries. The loss of such a significant figure proved detrimental to the pro-Treaty side, leading to a protracted struggle for control over the nascent state and increasing divisions among its people.