The Boundary Commission and Irish Constitutional Changes (1924-1937)

Flashcards covering key aspects of the Boundary Commission, de Valera's political actions, and the implications of the 1937 Irish Constitution.

What was the purpose of the Boundary Commission established by the Anglo-Irish Treaty?

To decide the exact location of the border between the Irish Free State and Northern Ireland.

Why did the Boundary Commission not begin its work until late 1924?

Sinn Fein split over the Treaty, a Civil War raged until 1923, sectarian violence disrupted Belfast, and the British were reluctant to make changes.

What was the outcome of the Boundary Commission's findings regarding the border?

Minor changes were proposed to the border in both directions, but ultimately the border remained unchanged.

What was the reaction of Northern nationalists to the decision to keep the border unchanged?

They were disappointed, as they had expected areas with Catholic majorities to be transferred to the Irish Free State.

What significant political change did Eamon de Valera implement after forming his own party?

He aimed to dismantle the Anglo-Irish Treaty and remove remaining political ties with Britain.

What was one major change made by de Valera in 1933 regarding allegiance to the British crown?

He abolished the Oath of Allegiance to the English crown.

What was the significance of the 1937 Irish Constitution?

It renamed the Irish Free State to Éire and removed remaining symbolic links with Britain.

Who was the first President of Ireland after the 1937 Constitution?

Douglas Hyde.

What did Articles 2 and 3 of the 1937 Constitution state?

Article 2 stated the Constitution applied to all of Ireland, while Article 3 applied only to Éire until there was a united Ireland.

Why were unionists in Northern Ireland angry about the 1937 Constitution?

They were upset about Articles 2 and 3, which laid claim to Northern Ireland and believed that these articles reinforced the notion that Protestants would be worse off in a united Ireland.

What was the impact of the Civil War on the Boundary Commission's work?

The Civil War caused significant delays and disruption, preventing the Boundary Commission from beginning its work until late 1924.

How did sectarian violence in Belfast affect the Boundary Commission?

Sectarian violence resulted in instability and reluctance among the British authorities to make changes to the border.

What was the response of Northern nationalists to the proposed changes by the Boundary Commission?

Their disappointment stemmed from the expectation that Catholic-majority areas would be transferred to the Irish Free State, but the changes were minimal.

What was Eamon de Valera's vision for Ireland after he formed his own party?

His vision included dismantling the Anglo-Irish Treaty and pursuing full sovereignty for Ireland.

What changes did de Valera's actions bring about in terms of constitutional reforms?

His actions led to the creation of the 1937 Constitution, significantly altering Ireland's political landscape and distancing it from Britain.

What was one of the consequences of abolishing the Oath of Allegiance in 1933?

It marked a significant step towards full independence and the assertion of Irish sovereignty.

What year did the Anglo-Irish Treaty get signed?

The Anglo-Irish Treaty was signed in 1921.

In what year did the Irish Civil War end?

The Irish Civil War ended in 1923.

What year was the 1937 Irish Constitution enacted?

The 1937 Irish Constitution was enacted on July 1, 1937.

How many years did the Boundary Commission take to start its work after its establishment?

The Boundary Commission did not start its work until late 1924, approximately three years after its establishment.

What percentage of the population in Northern Ireland was Catholic around the time of the 1937 Constitution?

Around that time, approximately 30% of the population in Northern Ireland was Catholic.

What year did Eamon de Valera abolish the Oath of Allegiance?

Eamon de Valera abolished the Oath of Allegiance in 1933.

What was the name of the first President of Ireland, and when did he take office?

Douglas Hyde became the first President of Ireland in 1938.