📕 Chapter 3: A Long and Illustrious History
What became of the 26 southern counties of Ireland?
Correct answer: They became the Irish Free State (later Republic of Ireland)
A They became Northern Ireland
✓ They became the Irish Free State (later Republic of Ireland)
C They remained part of the UK
D They became a British colony
💡 Explanation
The 26 southern counties became the Irish Free State, later the Republic of Ireland.
Key facts to remember
- Easter Rising 1916 in Dublin — armed rebellion against British rule
- Quickly suppressed but increased support for independence
- Treaty signed 1921; Ireland partitioned 1922
- Irish Free State — 26 southern counties, became independent
- Northern Ireland — 6 counties, remained part of UK
- Partition was controversial and led to decades of tension
Why this is the answer
From the official Life in the UK study material — 3.5.3 The partition of Ireland:
After World War I, the Irish independence movement intensified. In 1916, the Easter Rising in Dublin was an armed rebellion against British rule. Although it was quickly suppressed, it increased support for Irish independence. In 1921, a treaty was signed that led to the partition of Ireland in 1922.
Ireland was divided into two parts: the Irish Free State (later the Republic of Ireland), which consisted of the 26 southern counties and became independent, and Northern Ireland, which consisted of 6 counties and remained part of the United Kingdom. The partition was controversial and led to decades of tension, particularly in Northern Ireland.
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