The First Dáil, The First Day: Ireland's Struggle for Independence

📜 The video discusses the establishment of the First Dáil Éireann, Ireland's first modern parliament, in 1919.

💼 It emphasizes the significance of this event as a symbol of Irish statehood and a foundation moment for the modern Irish state.

🗳️ The mandate for the establishment of the Dáil came from the significant victory of Sinn Féin in the 1918 UK general election, where they won 73 out of 105 seats.

📜 The 1918 general election in Ireland resulted in a clear majority for the nationalist party, Shin Fane, with 73 seats.

🗳️ Although Shin Fane only received 46-47% of the popular vote, they had no opponents in 25 constituencies, which would have likely increased their overall percentage.

🇮🇪 If all votes were counted, including the uncontested constituencies, Shin Fane would have had a majority in nationalist Ireland and possibly on the entire island.

The organizers of the first Dáil were united in their aspiration for independence, but had differing opinions on how to achieve it.

The first meeting of the Dáil was initially planned for January 2, 1919, but took place on January 21 instead.

The opening of the Dáil had religious undertones, which some critics viewed as unnecessary and sectarian.

📜 The First Dáil created a constitution, declaring supreme power to the Dáil and outlining specific ministries.

🗽 The Declaration of Independence ratified the Irish Republic and demanded the evacuation of the English garrison from Ireland.

📰 The event received domestic and foreign media coverage, with journalists from various countries present.

The First Dáil declared Ireland's right to independence and emphasized its objective to achieve independence from Britain by any means necessary.

The message to the free nations of the world implored them to recognize Ireland's declared status as a ratified Republic and requested their support at the peace conference.

The Democratic program outlined a vision of sovereignty extending to all citizens and the duty of the government to promote the development of Ireland's resources for the benefit of the Irish people.

The objective of the International Labour conference was to gain support for the new Irish state.

The Democratic program adopted in 1919 aimed to give support to the Labour Party and left-wing movement.

The Irish Republican Brotherhood had concerns about the original draft of the Democratic program.

📅 The first Dáil was established on January 21, 1919, marking the foundation moment of the modern Irish state.

🏛️ The establishment of the first Dáil provided a sense of legitimacy and a representative forum for the nationalist Irish population.

🗳️ The first Dáil's existence played a crucial role in shaping the outcome of the Anglo-Irish Treaty and the eventual establishment of an independent Irish state.