Partition of Ireland in 1922

Definition

The partition of Ireland in 1922 was a division of the island of Ireland into two distinct territories, Northern Ireland and Southern Ireland. This occurred as part of the Anglo-Irish Treaty, which ended the Irish War of Independence.

Analogy

Think about it like a pizza that's been divided into two unequal parts because two friends couldn't agree on toppings. One friend (Northern Ireland) wanted to stick with traditional cheese and tomato (British rule), while the other friend (Southern Ireland) wanted something new and different (independence).

Related terms

Anglo-Irish Treaty: An agreement between Britain and Irish representatives that ended the Irish War of Independence, leading to the partitioning of Ireland.

Irish War of Independence: A guerrilla war fought from 1919 to 1921 between the Irish Republican Army and British forces, aiming for Irish independence from British rule.

Home Rule Movement: A movement that campaigned for self-government or "home rule" within the United Kingdom for all of Ireland.