On December 6, 1922, a pivotal chapter in the history of Ireland began as the Anglo-Irish Treaty came into effect, marking the establishment of the Irish Free State. This historic agreement, signed one year earlier in London, symbolized a turning point in the struggle for Irish independence, transitioning the nation from centuries of British rule to a new era of self-governance. The treaty was a product of intense negotiation and considerable compromise, orchestrated by key figures such as Michael Collins and Arthur Griffith, who represented the Irish nationalist movement. Despite its contentious nature—many saw it as a betrayal of the complete independence sought by republicans—the treaty's ratification was seen as a pragmatic approach to achieving autonomy. Under its terms, Ireland gained significant legislative powers while initially remaining a part of the British Commonwealth. The establishment of the Irish Free State did not come without challenges. The signing of the treaty deepened divisions within the Irish nationalist movement, culminating in a civil war that erupted in 1922. Pro-treaty forces, who advocated for the agreement, clashed with anti-treaty factions that opposed the compromise, resulting in a tumultuous conflict that would shape the country's political landscape for years to come. Nonetheless, the treaty laid the groundwork for a sovereign nation and initiated profound social and political changes in Ireland. It heralded a new constitution that would evolve in subsequent years, leading to the Republic of Ireland. Today, December 6 is remembered not just as the birth of the Irish Free State, but as a defining moment that encapsulated the struggle for Irish identity and self-determination, a legacy that continues to resonate in contemporary discussions about national sovereignty and unity.