Saorstat (Irish Free State)

Saorstat, officially the Irish Free State, was an independent country established in 1922 following the Anglo-Irish Treaty. It marked Ireland’s transition from British control to self-governance within the British Commonwealth. The Free State had its own government, legal system, and armed forces but remained connected to Britain through constitutional ties, such as allegiance to the British Crown. It aimed to balance Irish national sovereignty with loyalty to the monarchy, which led to ongoing political debates and conflicts. The Irish Free State operated until 1937, when the constitution was revised, transforming it into Ireland (Éire), a fully sovereign republic.