Anglo-Irish Treaty Flashcards
What were the key terms of the Anglo-Irish treaty?
Southern would be called the Irish Free State
It would have its own parliament in Dublin, elected by proportional representation
It would be part of the British empire/commonwealth
MPs in Dáil Éireann would take an oath of allegiance to the British monarch
The king’s representative n the IFS would be a Governor-General
The British military would leave IFS, except the 3 treaty ports of Cobh, Bereheaven and Louth Swilly
IFS citizens could appeal law cases in Britain’s Privy council
Northern Ireland would have the right to opt out of the IFS
A boundary commission would be set up to decide the location of the border
What was the name of the British armed force unit set up to fight against the IRA called?
Black and Tans
Why was an end to the Anglo-Irish War the most logical action to take in 1921?
Both sides had reached a stalemate
The actions of the IRA and B&Ts were increasing bitterness and distress
The cost and destruction from the war was rapidly increasing
Leading churchmen and the king called for an end to the violence
The British government needed more time to focus o other pressuring matters, like social problems and the economic slump following WW1
When was the truce called to the Anglo-Irish War, and where were negotiations held?
July 1921, London
How long did negotiations last, and which organisation accepted the terms?
2 months, the nationalist delegation
Who presented the terms for the Anglo-Irish treaty?
Lloyd George
What was the impact of the treaty on southern nationalism?
It caused a serious rift between pro-treaty and anti-treaty Sinn Fein and IRA members, causing a vicious civil war from 1922-19
It was eventually accepted at 64 votes to 57 in Dáil Éireann, however, those who opposed it , like Eamonn De Valera, walked out in protest
Why did southern nationalists dislike the treaty?
The oath of allegiance to the British monarchy
The role of Governor-General
The power of the British Privy Council to effect IFS laws
The IFS’s status in the British commonwealth
Why did some southern nationalists like the treaty?
It was a step towards independence
The British government had threatened to restart the war, most Irish people wanted peace
The links with Britain were only symbolic
What effect did the treaty have on relations between Britain and IFS?
They were very bitter, as they hadn’t forgotten the atrocities committed by both sides, which continued to mar their relationship
There was less animosity over the terms of the Anglo-Irish treaty
Why were Britain relieved that the Anglo-Irish War was over?
They were satisfied that IFS was still in commonwealth/empire
The King’s role was recognised
They had use of the 3 ports should they need to intervene in Ireland
It was damaging their reputation and economy
It was distracting them from other national and international problems
What effect did the Anglo-Irish treaty had on relations between Northern Ireland and IFS?
They were poor, James Craig, who was refused to participate in the negotiations, was furious at the final terms. As a result, Craig promptly opted Northern Ireland out of the treaty agreements, but the siege mentality of unionists increased. Northern nationalists, like southern, were divided
What did unionists believe was wrong with the Anglo-Irish treaty?
The terms violated the 1920 Government of Ireland Act
The unity of the UK and the commonwealth were weakened
The security of Britain was under threat due to the loss of most its military bases in the IFS
The boundary commission was a threat for Protestants in border communities
Why did northern nationalists dislike the leaders in negotiations?
They had not been consulted in the negotiations, and were angry at Dáil Éireann for accepting the terms, as it confirmed partition and their isolation in a unionist-dominated Northern Ireland
