The partition of Ireland into Northern Ireland and the Irish Free State marked a significant moment in Irish and British political history. Following the signing of the Anglo-Irish Treaty in December of the previous year, the political landscape in Ireland changed dramatically. The treaty was crafted to address the longstanding tensions and desires for autonomy among the Irish nationalists, who sought independence from British rule, and the unionists, who wanted to remain part of the United Kingdom. It facilitated the creation of a separate Northern Ireland, which was predominantly unionist and Protestant, while the predominantly nationalist and Catholic areas became known as the Irish Free State.

The partition came into effect after extensive debates and political maneuvering amid significant social and political unrest. Civil strife ensued as various factions of Irish society responded to the new political order. Many viewed partition as a betrayal of the aspirations for a united Ireland, leading to a great deal of resentment among nationalists. Conversely, many unionists welcomed the division, seeing it as a safeguard for their identity and governance.

The establishment of the Irish Free State represented an important step towards self-governance but also came with numerous challenges, including the need to navigate British oversight and internal divisions within Ireland. The partition also laid the groundwork for future tensions, which would persist throughout the 20th century, shaping the course of Irish history and its relationship with Britain.