Ireland has a long history of British rule, with centuries of colonization and oppression leading to a desire for independence. The Irish War of Independence, which took place from 1919 to 1921, marked a significant turning point in the country's fight for freedom.

The conflict began with the establishment of the Irish Republic, declared in 1919 by the members of the Irish Republican Army (IRA). This move was a direct challenge to British rule and sparked a violent struggle for independence.

During the war, both sides engaged in brutal tactics, including ambushes, assassinations, and reprisals. The British forces, led by the Black and Tans and the Auxiliaries, were known for their harsh treatment of Irish civilians and prisoners of war.

The post-ceasefire talks led to the signing of the Anglo-Irish Treaty in December 1921. This treaty established the Irish Free State as a self-governing Dominion within the British Empire, with the option of seceding from the Empire through a vote of the Irish Parliament.

While the signing of the treaty marked the end of the war, it did not bring an end to the conflict between Ireland and Britain. The Irish Civil War broke out in 1922, pitting pro-Treaty forces against anti-Treaty forces in a bitter struggle for power.

Ultimately, Ireland won its independence from Britain, with the establishment of the Republic of Ireland in 1949. The legacy of the Irish War of Independence continues to shape Irish politics and society to this day.