On December 22, 1921, the initial stages of implementing the Anglo-Irish Treaty commenced, despite ongoing political opposition within Ireland. This period marked the beginning of the British military's withdrawal from southern Ireland, signaling a significant shift in governance. These developments were pivotal in the transition towards the establishment of the Irish Free State, an entity independent from the United Kingdom. The implementation process, however, also laid the groundwork for the divisive Irish Civil War, as factions disagreed on the terms of the treaty.
