Anglo-Irish Treaty

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Anglo-Irish Treaty Griffith annotated2

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David Lloyd George

1stEarlOfBirkenhead

Austen Chamberlain MP

Sir Winston Churchill - 19086236948

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Worthington-Evans MP

Anglo-Irish Treaty

The Anglo-Irish Treaty, officially known as the Articles of Agreement for a Treaty Between Great Britain and Ireland, was a landmark agreement signed on December 6, 1921, that concluded the Irish War of Independence and established the Irish Free State, a dominion within the British Empire. It marked a significant moment in Irish history, leading to the end of centuries of British rule in most of Ireland but also setting the stage for the Irish Civil War.

Background

The roots of the Anglo-Irish Treaty can be traced back to the long-standing Irish struggle for independence from British rule. The early 20th century saw a rise in nationalist movements within Ireland, culminating in the Easter Rising of 1916 and the subsequent War of Independence led by the Irish Republican Army (IRA) against British forces. In response to the escalating conflict, the British government sought a political solution.

Negotiations

Negotiations between British and Irish representatives took place in London in late 1921. The Irish delegation was led by Arthur Griffith and Michael Collins, two prominent figures in the Irish independence movement. Despite facing internal divisions and significant pressure from both sides, the negotiators reached an agreement after intense discussions.

Terms

The treaty established the Irish Free State as a self-governing dominion within the British Commonwealth, similar in status to Canada and Australia. It provided for a governor-general representing the British monarch, a bicameral parliament, and a level of autonomy in domestic affairs. However, the treaty also included several contentious provisions:

• The oath of allegiance to the British Crown, which was required for members of the Irish parliament.
• The partition of Ireland, with six counties in the north remaining part of the United Kingdom as Northern Ireland.
• The retention of British naval bases in certain parts of the Free State.

Reception and Impact

The treaty was met with mixed reactions in Ireland. It was ratified by a narrow margin in the Dáil Éireann, the Irish parliament, in January 1922. Supporters argued that the treaty provided a stepping stone towards full independence, while opponents, including Éamon de Valera, saw it as a betrayal of the republic declared in 1916.

The division over the treaty led to the Irish Civil War (1922-1923), a bitter conflict between pro-treaty forces, who supported the Free State government, and anti-treaty forces, who opposed the compromise with Britain. The war resulted in the defeat of the anti-treaty forces but left deep scars on the Irish psyche and polity.

Legacy

The Anglo-Irish Treaty has a complex legacy. It successfully ended British rule in most of Ireland and established the Irish Free State, which would eventually become the modern Republic of Ireland. However, the partition of Ireland has remained a source of conflict and division, contributing to the Troubles in Northern Ireland in the late 20th century. The treaty's anniversary is still observed and debated in Ireland, reflecting its enduring significance in Irish history.