The Rightness of the Anglo-Irish Treaty's Ratification in 1921

In the early days following the Anglo-Irish Treaty of 1921, arguments regarding its acceptance or rejection were often met with passionate and sometimes violent opposition. The debate was so charged that it seemed any discussion would stir up long-buried animosities. However, over the decades, as the generation that lived through it began to pass, the topic has become more open to examination. With the passage of time, it has become clear that the decision to ratify the treaty was the most prudent course of action. Below are three key reasons for this:

There was no Viable Alternative

The political circumstances of 1921 were dire. Lloyd George, leading the British delegation, presented the Irish with a stark choice: accept the British government’s final offer or face imminent and severe conflict. Michael Collins, despite facing skepticism within the Irish Republican Army (IRA), recognized the reality of the situation. The IRA had been depleted and was ill-prepared to take on another major military engagement.

As a pragmatist with a deep understanding of the political and military context, Collins made the decision to accept the treaty. This decision, while controversial at the time, was essential for preventing a return to a cycle of war and conflict that could have led to the complete exhaustion of the independence movement.

The Treaty was the Best Possible Deal at the Time

Opponents of the treaty argued that it did not grant Ireland the full sovereignty it had fought for. However, Michael Collins had a foresight that many at the time lacked. He responded to critics by stating, “In my opinion, it gives us freedom, not the ultimate freedom that all nations desire … but the freedom to achieve it.”

This view is supported by the outcome of history. The Treaty laid the groundwork for a democratic process that allowed Ireland to work towards full sovereignty within the framework of the British Empire. The treaty provided the means for self-governance and the establishment of a dominion status, paving the way for a gradual separation from British rule.

Rejection of the Treaty Meant Rejection of Parliamentary Democracy

The political landscape in Ireland at the time was complex. After the June 1922 general election, approximately seventy percent of first preference votes were cast for pro-Treaty candidates. The resounding mandate in favor of the treaty suggested a desire for a democratic, constitutional approach to governance. éamon de Valera, the anti-treaty leader, however, rejected the election results, stating, “The majority have no right to do wrong.”

This stance was reckless and irresponsible. It overlooked the democratic will of the majority and risked descending into another civil war. The IRA, grappling with internal divisions over the treaty, was already in a precarious state. Rejection of the treaty would have pushed the conflict further, potentially costing more lives and plunging the young state into chaos.

Conclusion: A Historical and Sociopolitical Perspective

The Anglo-Irish Treaty, ratified by a majority of the Dáil in 1921, marked a significant turning point in Irish history. Its ratification was a pragmatic and necessary step for Ireland to move towards full sovereignty within the context of the time. While the treaty is still a subject of debate, the passage of nearly a century has provided ample evidence to support the decision made in 1921. The Republic of Ireland, as we know it today, owes its existence to this series of events.