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Becoming a modern society
Ireland faces severe economic problems, with rising debt and unemployment. Three elections are held in the space of less than two years. -
World War I
The outbreak of World War I delays implementation of new home rule legislation which would have restored the Dublin parliament following centuries of unrest over British dominion in Ireland. -
The Irish Free State
Anglo-Irish Treaty establishes the Free State, an independent dominion of the British crown with full internal self-government rights, partitioned from Northern Ireland which remains part of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. -
The Irish Free State
De Valera becomes head of government after previous administration fails to deal with economic difficulties. -
From Eire to Republic of Ireland
New elections. The voters return De Valera and also approve a new constitution which abolishes the Irish Free State and proclaims Eire (Gaelic for Ireland) as a sovereign, independent, democratic state. -
From Eire to Republic of Ireland
The outbreak of World War II. Eire remains neutral, but many Irish citizens join the Allied forces. -
From Eire to Republic of Ireland
Eire becomes Republic of Ireland and leaves British Commonwealth. -
Becoming a modern society
Ireland joins the European Economic Community. Violence in Northern Ireland intensifies. Relations between Ireland and Britain are strained. -
Becoming a modern society
Ireland signs the Treaty on European Union at Maastricht and receives a guarantee that its strict anti-abortion law will not be affected. -
Peace process
Divorce becomes legal under certain circumstances. -
Ahern re-elected
Ireland votes in favour of the European Union's Lisbon Treaty in new referendum.