Dominion of Canada in Irish Political Discourse

As part of my research on the Irish War of Independence (1919-1921) for my interdisciplinary History and Gender Studies MA at Concordia, I read a transcription of the debates that took place as Irish MPs discussed whether to accept the terms Great Britain offered during a period of truce: Ireland will accept dominion status, or war would resume.  The story of the Dominion of Canada – created by the Constitution Act of 1867 – provided a framework through which Irish politicians articulated concerns about Ireland’s prospective political status.   The comparative language surrounding topics like national identity, the Oath of Allegiance, and constitutional usage highlights how Canada as a Dominion was a key concept in negotiating Irish statehood, showcasing how Canada’s political history within the British Empire was important to other nations’ paths to independence.
Dominion of Canada in Irish Political Discourse

Gabrielle Machnik-Kekesi

Concordia University

Montreal, Quebec

The story of Canada provided a framework for Irish politicians to articulate concerns about Ireland’s prospective political status.

Related Lesson Plans

  • Sharing our Past

    Sharing our Past

    Catherine Paulin

    Montréal, Quebec

    Learning about Canadian Urbanisation Through the Lens of Human-Horse Relations

  • Voices of Juno: Creating a Canadian Legacy

    Voices of Juno: Creating a Canadian Legacy

    Desaree Rosskopf

    London, Ontario

    Voices of Juno investigates the creation and preservation of Canada's Normandy landings.

 
View all plans