Negotiations and Truce:
- Collins was one of the key figures involved in the negotiations that led to the Anglo-Irish Truce in July 1921, which brought a temporary halt to the fighting between the IRA and British forces.
Dáil Éireann and Plenipotentiaries:
- Collins was a member of Dáil Éireann, the self-proclaimed Irish parliament, and served as Minister of Finance in the Irish Republican government. He was appointed as one of the plenipotentiaries (representatives with full powers) to negotiate the treaty on behalf of the Irish delegation.
London Negotiations:
- Collins led the Irish delegation in the treaty negotiations in London. He played a pivotal role in representing the interests of the Irish Republican movement and in securing concessions from the British government.
Treaty Provisions:
- The resulting treaty, known as the Anglo-Irish Treaty, provided for the establishment of the Irish Free State as a self-governing dominion within the British Commonwealth. Collins advocated for the acceptance of the treaty, arguing that it offered the best attainable terms at the time.
Internal Divisions:
- The treaty caused deep divisions within the Irish Republican movement. Some members, including Éamon de Valera, opposed the treaty, arguing that it did not fully achieve Irish independence and maintained ties to the British crown. Collins strongly supported the treaty and campaigned for its ratification by Dáil Éireann.
Ratification and Civil War:
- Despite winning the support of a narrow majority in Dáil Éireann, the treaty sparked a civil war between pro-treaty and anti-treaty forces. Collins became the commander-in-chief of the pro-treaty forces known as the National Army.
-In conclusion, Michael Collins played a central role in the Anglo-Irish Treaty negotiations, advocating for Irish interests and securing significant concessions from the British government. His support for the treaty and his leadership in the pro-treaty faction during the subsequent civil war highlight the complexity of his role in shaping Ireland's path to independence.