The struggle for independance

From the first Mesolithic settlers the history of Ireland demonstrates its multicultural foundations: Viking invasion, arrival of the Anglo-Normans... Nevertheless an Irish identity has been able to emerge, and this is an undeniable step toward the foundation of a nation. The numerous uprisings of the Irish population against English occupation have proven its will to emancipate itself. For a long time the revolts didn't aim anything else than the end of British's harrasment. In 1798 a rebellion shook the island: the "United Irishmen", inspired by the French revolution tried unsuccessfully to expel the colonisers. From that time Ireland's home rule became a conceivable objective. Contrary to popular belief, to achieve this challenge Catholics and Protestants were expected to struggle shoulder to shoulder. Charles Stewart Parnell, an Irish Protestant member of the British parliament in the late 19th century is the best example of this partnership.

From the moment he was elected in 1875 he pursued in association with the British Prime Minister William Gladstone several reforms in order to ratify the "Home Rule Bill".

However the failure of this political path to freedom due to to the opposition of the English conservatives led to new violent uprisings in Ireland. The one which occured in 1916 was decisive: the murder of young men by the Royal Irish Constabulory legititimised the revolt. Finally after a war with Great Britain from 1919 to 1921 Ireland became an independant country.