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December 6

1921
Politics

December 6, 1921

Anglo-Irish Treaty Signed

On December 6, 1921, the Anglo-Irish Treaty was signed in London by representatives of the British government and Irish delegates, including Michael Collins and Arthur Griffith. This pivotal agreement concluded the Irish War of Independence and provided for the establishment of the Irish Free State as a self-governing dominion within the British Empire. The treaty's terms, particularly the Oath of Allegiance to the British Crown and the partition of Ireland, proved highly controversial, leading to deep divisions within the Irish nationalist movement and ultimately precipitating the Irish Civil War.

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1922
Politics

December 6, 1922

Irish Free State Established

Exactly one year after the signing of the Anglo-Irish Treaty, on December 6, 1922, the Irish Free State officially came into existence. This new dominion comprised 26 of Ireland's 32 counties, marking a significant step towards Irish self-governance after centuries of British rule. The establishment of the Free State, however, was met with considerable internal conflict, as anti-Treaty forces opposed its terms, leading to the devastating Irish Civil War. The Free State eventually evolved into the modern Republic of Ireland.

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1982
Battles

December 6, 1982

Droppin' Well Bombing

On December 6, 1982, the Irish National Liberation Army (INLA) carried out the Droppin' Well bombing in Ballykelly, County Londonderry, Northern Ireland. A time bomb detonated at a disco frequented by British soldiers, killing 17 people—eleven soldiers and six civilians—and injuring dozens more. The attack was one of the deadliest during the Troubles and sparked widespread condemnation due to the high civilian casualties. The INLA claimed responsibility, stating the target was chosen to impact the British establishment.

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