Irish War of Independence

The Irish War of Independence (1919–1921) was a conflict between Irish republicans seeking independence from Britain and British forces aiming to maintain control over Ireland. Organized by the Irish Republican Army (IRA), the guerrilla campaign involved ambushes and sabotage against British authorities. The British responded with military and police actions, leading to widespread violence. The conflict resulted in the Anglo-Irish Treaty, which established the Irish Free State as a self-governing entity within the British Commonwealth, while Northern Ireland remained part of the UK. The war set the foundation for Ireland's gradual independence and ongoing national identity debates.