-
Ireland faces severe economic problems, with rising debt and unemployment. Three elections are held in the space of less than two years.
-
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.
-
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.
-
De Valera becomes head of government after previous administration fails to deal with economic difficulties.
-
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.
-
The outbreak of World War II. Eire remains neutral, but many Irish citizens join the Allied forces.
-
Eire becomes Republic of Ireland and leaves British Commonwealth.
-
Ireland joins the European Economic Community. Violence in Northern Ireland intensifies. Relations between Ireland and Britain are strained.
-
Ireland signs the Treaty on European Union at Maastricht and receives a guarantee that its strict anti-abortion law will not be affected.
-
Divorce becomes legal under certain circumstances.
-
Ireland votes in favour of the European Union's Lisbon Treaty in new referendum.