The partition of Ireland

Fight for Ireland's independence from British rule

After the 1900s, the tensions between Irish nationalists and Irish unionists grew once more. Most of Ireland was inhabited by Irish nationalists who were Catholics and against the British rule. However, the North of the country was mostly inhabited by Irish and English Protestants who were in favour of the union with England.

In 1910, the Irish Parliamentary Party gained control in the House of Commons in the Irish Parliament and passed bills in favour of home rule, meaning the introduction of self-government. In response, the Irish unionists organised volunteers to oppose this.

Just before World War I, the British passed a home rule act for Ireland, but this was quickly suspended because of the war. Because they wanted to make sure the act would be eventually implemented, Irish nationalists supported the UK during the war. However, ...