Introduction to Ireland's Relationship with the British Empire

Strictly speaking, Ireland did not leave the British Empire. The term 'Empire' was no longer in use when the Republic of Ireland became fully independent from the United Kingdom in 1949. However, Ireland enjoys a unique status as a nation. Under the 1949 Government of Ireland Act, the Republic is not regarded as a foreign country by the British government and its citizens are not seen as foreigners (Irish Foraighre Ghoimlidsi 2016).

Redefining the Irish-English Relationship

Contrary to the common assumption, Ireland was never a British colony but rather a feudal lordship held by the King of England and later Great Britain. It joined the United Kingdom in 1801 alongside England, Scotland, and Wales and remained part of it until 1922 (Irish Foraighre Ghoimlidsi 2016).

Home Rule and Governance

Irish governance enjoyed a distinct autonomy at a local level. The term 'Home Rule for Ireland' was coined in the late 1800s, mirroring the governmental structures of Scotland and today's Scotland. The Government of Ireland Act 1914 intended to establish governance similar to that of the other dominions, but this proposal faced significant backlash due to fears of Protestant dominance in Ulster by the Catholic south (Irish Foraighre Ghoimlidsi 2016).

Implementation Challenges

The Act’s implementation was suspended post-World War I, and in 1920, the Government of Ireland Act 1920 created separate units—Northern Ireland and Southern Ireland—each with the aim of having Home Rule. However, this arrangement led to internal divisions in the north, resulting in various armed factions. In 1916, armed republicans in the south staged the Easter Rising, which was followed by a civil war from 1919 to 1922. The Anglo-Irish Treaty in 1921 declared Ireland an independent Dominion within the British Empire, comparable to Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa (Irish Foraighre Ghoimlidsi 2016).

Under the Treaty, Ulster had the option to opt out of the new state, which it did within a month. The 1931 Statute of Westminster made it clear that the Dominions were fully independent of Great Britain, although most chose to remain part of the Commonwealth (Irish Foraighre Ghoimlidsi 2016).

The Decline of Ireland's Independence

The Irish Free State ceased to exist in 1937. The Oath of Allegiance to the King was abolished, and the Irish Free State withdrew from the Commonwealth. It declared itself as 'Ireland,' except for the six counties in Ulster (Irish Foraighre Ghoimlidsi 2016).

Independence and the Commonwealth

Most of Ireland, excluding the six counties in Ulster, left the British Empire in the last century. Depending on how you define the 'Empire,' the dates range from 1931 to 1937, with some pointing to 1922. These events, however, have not resolved historical issues and continue to cause tensions, albeit infrequently (Irish Foraighre Ghoimlidsi 2016).

Current Relations and Benefits

Despite historical tensions, the relations between British and Irish citizens, often members of the same families, are generally good. Government relations are also positive, and Irish citizens are guaranteed rights in the UK that surpass those enjoyed by other EU members (Irish Foraighre Ghoimlidsi 2016).

While Ireland is no longer part of the British Empire, the legacy and impacts of this history are far-reaching. The relationship between Ireland and the United Kingdom remains complex but cooperative, with mutual recognition and respect playing a crucial role in modern relations (Irish Foraighre Ghoimlidsi 2016).