Question

Difficulty: MediumThe Partition of Ireland

The 1921 Anglo-Irish Treaty resulted in the division of the island of Ireland. When the partition formally took place in 1922, what was the constitutional status of Northern Ireland?

  1. It remained part of the United Kingdom.Answer
  2. B
    It became part of the newly formed Irish Free State in 1916.
  3. C
    It became a separate and fully independent country in 1925.
  4. D
    It was unified with the Republic of Ireland under a single parliament.

Answer

Northern Ireland remained part of the United Kingdom.
The correct answer is that Northern Ireland remained part of the United Kingdom. Following the Anglo-Irish Treaty of 1921, Ireland was divided in 1922. The southern part became the Irish Free State (later the Republic of Ireland), while the six counties in the north, known as Northern Ireland, remained within the UK.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the historical context of the Anglo-Irish Treaty.
The treaty was signed in 1921 to end the conflict in Ireland.
Understanding the treaty's purpose helps define the legal framework for partition.
2
Analyze the outcome of the 1922 partition.
The island was divided into two parts: the Irish Free State and Northern Ireland.
This division created two distinct political entities with different relationships to the British Crown.
3
Determine the specific status of Northern Ireland.
Northern Ireland remained part of the United Kingdom.
The treaty allowed Northern Ireland the option to stay in the UK, which it exercised.

Key Concept

The Partition of Ireland (1921-1922)
Estimated Time:45s
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