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The partition of Ireland (1921 to 1922)

Study note

The guerrilla war that followed the Easter Rising was eventually brought to an end by negotiation. In 1921 a peace treaty was signed, so 1921 is the date for the treaty. Then in 1922 Ireland was divided into two parts.

The six mainly Protestant counties in the north chose to remain part of the United Kingdom, and they became Northern Ireland. The rest of Ireland became a separate country called the Irish Free State, which went on to become a republic in 1949. Disagreement over this division, and over Northern Ireland's place in the UK, later led to a long period of conflict known as the Troubles. So remember 1921 for the treaty and 1922 for the split, with the north staying in the UK as Northern Ireland.

Memory tip: Treaty 1921; Ireland split in 1922; the north stays in the UK as Northern Ireland.

Practise this topic

Question 1 of 4

In which year was a peace treaty signed that led to the division of Ireland?

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Show all questions and answers for The partition of Ireland (1921 to 1922)(4 questions with explanations)

The partition of Ireland (1921 to 1922): questions, answers and explanations

  1. 1. In which year was a peace treaty signed that led to the division of Ireland?

    • 1801
    • 1916
    • 1949
    • 1921

    Correct answer: 1921

    A peace treaty was signed in 1921, and Ireland was divided in 1922.

  2. 2. What did the six mainly Protestant counties in the north of Ireland become?

    • The Irish Free State
    • A Crown dependency
    • Northern Ireland, remaining part of the UK
    • An independent republic

    Correct answer: Northern Ireland, remaining part of the UK

    The six northern counties became Northern Ireland and stayed part of the UK.

  3. 3. What name was given to the rest of Ireland after partition?

    • Great Britain
    • The Irish Free State
    • Northern Ireland
    • Ulster

    Correct answer: The Irish Free State

    The rest of Ireland became the Irish Free State.

  4. 4. In 1922 Ireland became two countries; the north stayed in the UK as which Ireland?

    • Free
    • Western
    • Greater
    • Northern

    Correct answer: Northern

    The northern six counties became Northern Ireland.

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