Michael Collins was born in County Cork in 1890 and grew up during a time of great political and social upheaval in Ireland. From a young age, he was an intelligent and determined individual with strong ambition to make a difference. As a young man, Collins became involved in the fight for Irish independence. He was a member of the Irish Volunteers, a group of men who were dedicated to overthrowing British rule in Ireland. He soon rose through the ranks and became one of the key leaders of the independence movement. In 1916, Collins participated in the Easter Rising, a failed rebellion against British rule. Despite the defeat, the Rising galvanised the Irish people and sparked a new wave of nationalism. Collins was arrested and imprisoned, but he was eventually released in 1917. Upon his release, Collins resumed his work as a leader of the independence movement. He was appointed as the head of the Irish Republican Army (IRA) and led a guerrilla campaign against the British. He became known as the "Big Fellow" and was admired by many for his bravery and cunning. In 1921, Collins played a key role in negotiating the Anglo-Irish Treaty, which established the Irish Free State. The treaty was seen by some as a sell out and there were those who felt that Collins had not gone far enough in securing full independence for Ireland. In 1922, the Treaty led to a split in the independence movement, with Collins and his supporters on one side, and those who opposed the treaty on the other. The split led to a brutal civil war, in which Collins played a leading role. Tragically, Collins was killed in an ambush in August of that year. Despite his death, Michael Collins left a lasting legacy. He is remembered as one of the key leaders of the independence movement and as a hero who fought for the freedom of his country. To this day, he is celebrated as a symbol of Ireland's struggle for independence and is regarded as one of the most important figures in Irish history.