Following centuries of British rule and political unrest, Ireland won its independence from the United Kingdom in 1922, establishing the Irish Free State. The six northern counties of Ireland, known as Northern Ireland, remained part of the United Kingdom, while the rest became the independent nation of Ireland.
While Ireland is no longer under direct British rule, the legacy of British colonialism continues to impact Irish society, politics, and culture. The border between Northern Ireland and Ireland, known as the "border," remains a source of contention and has been a focal point of conflict and tension between the two countries.