Public opinion on the Anglo-Irish Treaty was divided. While many were happy any agreement had been reached that would end the fi ghting, others saw the Anglo-Irish Treaty as a sell-out. The Dáil debated the Treaty from December 1921 until January 1922, splitting into pro- and anti-Treaty sides.
The Pro-Treaty Side
Included Arthur Griffi th, Michael Collins and W. T. Cosgrave Main arguments:
• They could not fund a war against Britain any longer.
• The Treaty could be built on over time and was a stepping stone to full independence.
• The Treaty was an improvement on Home Rule. • The Treaty guaranteed immediate peace with Britain.
The Anti-Treaty Side
Included Éamon de Valera, Cathal Brugha and Austin Stack Main arguments:
• They had not achieved the republic that they had fought for and died for.
• They should have achieved better terms.
• Irish TDs should not have to swear an oath of allegiance to the Crown.
• The Treaty left Ireland partitioned.
The Treaty debate in the Dáil ended on 7 January 1922 with a vote resulting in the Anglo-Irish Treaty being accepted by 64 votes to 57. De Valera resigned as President of the Dáil and left, along with his supporters. Arthur Griffi th was elected President of the Dáil in his place. A provisional government was set up to put the Treaty in place.
CHECKPOINT! 1. Who were the members of the Irish delegation? What important fi gure did not attend?
2. Who were the members of the British delegation? What advantage did they have over the Irish negotiators?
3. When was the Treaty signed? 4. What is a dominion? How was this more than Home Rule but less than a republic? 5. What were the other main terms of the Anglo-Irish Treaty? 6. What arguments were made by people who a) supported and b) opposed the Treaty?
.
I can explain the terms of the Anglo-Irish Treaty 1921 and what happened during the Treaty negotiations.
TIME TO GO BACK I CAN MOVE FORWARD
Go to page 112 of your Sources and Skills Book for an evidence task on the oath of allegiance.
COLLABORATE: With your group, write a speech either for or against the Treaty and deliver it to your class.
