The Reaction to the Treaty: part of the case study

The Dáil Debates

• The signing of the Anglo-Irish Treaty on 6 December 1921 led to intense and highly charged debates within the Dáil Éireann.

  • The debates began on 14 December 1921 and continued until 7 January 1922. These discussions were marked by deep divisions among the members, reflecting the broader split within the Irish nationalist movement.

• The central issue was whether to accept the treaty, which offered dominion status within the British Commonwealth or to reject it in pursuit of the full republic that many had fought for during the War of Independence.

• Éamon de Valera, the President of the Dáil, emerged as the most prominent opponent of the treaty. He argued that it fell short of what the Irish people had fought for, particularly criticising the oath of allegiance to the British Crown and the retention of British naval bases in Ireland.

• De Valera also expressed concerns that the treaty would lead to permanent partition, as it accepted Northern Ireland's existing boundaries. His alternative proposal, Document No. 2, suggested a form of external association with the British Commonwealth, which he believed would better preserve Irish sovereignty.

• On the other side, Arthur Griffith and Michael Collins led the arguments in favour of the treaty. They contended that the treaty was the best possible compromise under the circumstances and represented a significant step toward full independence.

• Griffith argued that the treaty gave Ireland control over its own affairs, while Collins emphasised that it provided a framework for future progress and the possibility of removing the British presence in Ireland entirely over time.

• The debates were both a political clash and a deeply personal conflict, as many of the Dáil members had fought together during the War of Independence.

• The divisions led to emotional and sometimes bitter exchanges, with both sides accusing the other of betraying the ideals of the Irish Republic. The intensity of the debates foreshadowed the broader split that would eventually lead to the Irish Civil War.

Pro and Anti-Treaty Arguments

Arguments for the Treaty

Arguments against the Treaty

• The treaty granted Ireland significant autonomy as a dominion within the British Commonwealth, which was seen as a practical first step toward full independence. • The treaty offered an end to the War of Independence and the opportunity to avoid further bloodshed, which was critical after years of violence. • Supporters argued that the treaty would lead to economic stability and allow Ireland to rebuild after the devastation of the war. • The treaty provided international recognition of the Irish Free State, which was seen as a major diplomatic victory. • Proponents believed that the treaty provided a framework that could be built upon, potentially leading to greater sovereignty in the future.

• Opponents argued that the treaty betrayed the goal of an Irish Republic by accepting dominion status and an oath of allegiance to the British Crown. • The treaty was seen as solidifying the partition of Ireland, with no guarantees that the Boundary Commission would significantly alter the borders of Northern Ireland. • Critics feared that the treaty would leave Ireland under British influence, particularly through the governor-general and the continued presence of British naval bases. • The requirement for Irish parliamentarians to swear an oath to the British monarch was viewed as a fundamental compromise of Irish sovereignty. • Some believed that accepting the treaty would lead to internal divisions and potentially a civil war, as it was seen as a betrayal by many who had fought for complete independence.

The Reaction to the Treaty Outside of the Dáil

• Outside of the Dáil, the reaction to the Anglo-Irish Treaty was mixed, with both strong support and vehement opposition emerging across Ireland.
• For many ordinary citizens, the treaty was greeted with relief, as it promised an end to years of violence and turmoil. The prospect of peace and the establishment of the Irish Free State were seen as positive steps toward stability and reconstruction after the destruction of the War of Independence.
• However, among the more radical Republicans and many veterans of the Irish Republican Army (IRA), the treaty was met with deep disappointment and anger.
• These groups felt that the treaty represented a betrayal of the ideals they had fought for, particularly the goal of a fully independent Irish Republic.
• The oath of allegiance to the British Crown was a particularly contentious point, seen as an unacceptable compromise that undermined Irish sovereignty. In some areas, anti-treaty sentiment was strong enough to lead to public protests and acts of defiance.
• The divide was also reflected in the press, with newspapers and other media outlets taking sides on the issue.
• Pro-treaty publications emphasised the pragmatic benefits of the agreement, such as peace and international recognition, while anti-treaty outlets focused on the perceived betrayal and the threat of continued British influence.
• The Catholic Church, which held significant sway in Irish society, generally supported the treaty as a means of achieving peace, though individual clergy members expressed differing views.
• Overall, the treaty exacerbated existing divisions within Irish society, creating a rift that would eventually lead to the outbreak of the Irish Civil War.
• The split between pro-treaty and anti-treaty forces was not just political but also deeply personal, as families, communities, and former comrades found themselves on opposite sides of the debate.

The Dáil Vote on the Treaty in January 1922

• The debates within the Dáil culminated in a crucial vote on the Anglo-Irish Treaty on 7 January 1922.

• After nearly a month of intense discussions, the Dáil was faced with the decision of whether to ratify the treaty and establish the Irish Free State or to reject it and continue the fight for full independence.

• The vote was held under immense pressure, with both sides knowing that the outcome would shape the future of Ireland.

• The result was close, reflecting the deep divisions within the Dáil and the broader nationalist movement.

• The treaty was ratified by a vote of 64 to 57, a narrow majority that underscored the contentious nature of the agreement.

  • Arthur Griffith, Michael Collins, and other pro-treaty leaders were relieved by the outcome, seeing it as a validation of their decision to sign the treaty and a step toward achieving peace and autonomy for Ireland.
  • However, the narrow margin also highlighted the strong opposition to the treaty within the Dáil. Éamon de Valera and his supporters, who had campaigned vigorously against the treaty, were deeply disappointed by the result.
  • De Valera immediately resigned as President of the Dáil in protest, marking a significant moment in the political split that would soon escalate into civil war.

• The vote also had a profound impact on the public and on the Irish Republican Army (IRA). Many anti-treaty members of the IRA felt betrayed by the Dáil's decision, leading to a hardening of their opposition and setting the stage for the violent conflict that would follow.

• The vote on the treaty was not just a political decision but a moment that defined the trajectory of the Irish struggle for independence and the shape of the new Irish state.