The Anglo-Irish Treaty (signed 6 December 1921) contained a provision (Article 12) that would establish a boundary commission, which would determine the border "in accordance with the wishes of the inhabitants, so far as may be compatible with economic and geographic conditions". By the time the Irish Free State unilaterally declared itself a republic in 1949, the border a source of bitterness for nationalists had become an integral aspect of northern unionist identity which viewed Northern Irelands survival as interwoven with unionisms own. If this is what we get when they have not their Parliament, what may we expect when they have that weapon, with wealth and power strongly entrenched? The split occurred due to both religious and political reasons with mainly Protestant Unionists campaigning to remain with the UK and the mainly Catholic Nationalist 26 counties campaigning for complete independence. The origins of the split go back to the late 1500's early 1600's with the plantation of Ulster. While Feetham was said to have kept his government contacts well informed on the Commissions work, MacNeill consulted with no one. After decades of conflict over the six counties known as the Troubles, the Good Friday agreement was signed in 1998. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors. Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). They expressed their partisan solidarity through involvement with Protestant unionist fraternal organizations such as the Orange Order, which found its inspiration in the victory of King William III (William of Orange) at the Battle of the Boyne in 1690 over his deposed Catholic predecessor, James II, whose siege of the Protestant community of Londonderry had earlier been broken by William. Dublin was set as the capital of the Irish Free State, and in 1937 a new constitution renamed the nation ire, or Ireland. Surely the Government will not refuse to make a concession which will do something to mitigate the feeling of irritation which exists on the Ulster side of the border. [U]pon the passage of the Bill into law Ulster will be, technically, part of the Free State. [47], Many Unionists feared that the territory would not last if it included too many Catholics and Irish Nationalists but any reduction in size would make the state unviable. [48] The remaining three Counties of Ulster had large Catholic majorities: Cavan 81.5%, Donegal 78.9% and Monaghan 74.7%. Colin Murray and wife flew to make-or-break holiday weeks before By entering your details, you are agreeing to our terms and conditions and privacy policy. In early 1922, the IRA launched a failed offensive into border areas of Northern Ireland. Heather Jones is professor of modern and contemporary history at University College London, Save up to 49% AND your choice of gift card worth 10* when you subscribe BBC History Magazine or BBC History Revealed PLUS! The Northern government chose to remain in the UK. In those areas where an actual physical barrier has had to be erected, the numbers tell the story. [59] In response to the expulsions and attacks on Catholics, the Dil approved a boycott of Belfast goods and banks.
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