Britain and Ireland, 1900 - 1985

The years before WW1 saw a rise in Irish nationalism, identity and culture. This led to increased questioning of Ireland's relationship with Britain.

The debate around Home Rule for Ireland divided politicians. For some, Home Rule was a perfect solution, but for others, nothing short of independence from Britain was acceptable.

The outbreak of WW1 led to a dilemma for many in Ireland. Some volunteered to fight, while others refused and sought to press on with their plans for an Irish republic.

In 1916, armed Irish republican forces in Dublin led a rising against British control of Ireland. It became known as the Easter Rising.

During the years of WW1, the once dominant Irish Parliamentary Party saw a catastrophic decline in fortunes, while Sinn Féin became Ireland's most powerful political force.

After success in the 1918 General Election for Sinn Féin, an independent Irish Free State was declared.

Between 1919 and 1921, a state of war existed between the Irish Free State and Britain. The Anglo-Irish Treaty of 1921 resolved the conflict.

In 1922, divisions between the different republican groups led to armed revolt. The conflict became known as the Irish Civil War.

The British and Irish governments and key figures such as Michael Collins and Éamon de Valera played a key role in shaping Ireland 's political future during the 1920s.

By the late 1960s, social, political and economic inequalities between Catholics and Protestant communities in Northern Ireland was causing growing tensions.

By the 1970s, Northern Ireland was marred by escalating violence by rival sectarian paramilitary groups. This period became known as The Troubles.

Originally welcomed as peacekeepers, the British Army went on to play a divisive role in Northern Ireland during The Troubles.

The British and Irish governments both played a pivotal roles in the politics of Northern Ireland during the 1970s and 1980s.