Political party formed in Ireland in 1905. Its outstanding leader was EAMON DEVALERA. It was/is the political force behind the Irish Republican Army. These were/are Irish nationalists. Got support from Germans during WW I -> Easter Rebellion. Sinn Fein party fought for independence. Been granted in 1914 but deferred because of the outbreak of war. 1919-1920 Sinn Fein sponsored guerrilla warfare to evict the British. British sent over Black & Tans - fighting force to quell uprising. In 1920, by the Government of Ireland Act, the British Parliament divided Ireland, with the six northern provinces remaining part of Great Britain. The majority in Northern Ireland are Protestant and wish to maintain union with Britain. They send Irish MPs to Westminister in London but control their local government. In 1921 Ireland (without Northern Ireland) received dominion status. Gradually the Irish government severed its political ties to Britain. During World War II Ireland remained officially neutral. In 1949 the Republic of Ireland withdrew from the Commonwealth (of Britain's former colonies). Today it is a member of the European Union. Today it still seeks, along with Catholics living in Northern Ireland (Ulster) for Northern Ireland to be separated from Great Britain.