Historic relations between England/Britain/Uk and Ireland?

Very complex relationship, based on colonialism, oppression and religion.

Late 12th century: The Anglo-Norman invasion marked the beginning of over 800 years of British presence in Ireland.

16th century: the colonisation was continued by the Tudor dynasty who wanted more control over Ireland, they claimed land which they gave to protestant English and Scottish settlers to prevent Ireland becoming a catholic power.

Mid 17th century: Catholics were prosecuted and their land was taken away and given to supporters of parliament, in the Cromwellian conquest of Ireland led by Oliver Cromwell. The whole of Ireland was treated as a colonial resource for England.

1800: Act of union merged Ireland into Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland.

Mid 19th century: Great famine, failed potato harvest and the food that was left was exported to Britain and overseas territories. 1million dead, 1 million emigrated (mostly to the US). This fueled Irish resentment.

1870’s – 1914 Home rule movement (for independence), delayed by WW1. Easter rising in 1916 in Dublin resulted in the execution of the rebellion leaders. In the Anglo-Irish war Ireland gained independence and became the Irish free state in 1922. In 1949 it became the republic of Ireland. Northern Ireland remains part of the Uk. This partition created lasting tension in Ireland.