Abstract
Ireland is not unique in its long struggle for independence many small nations have fought gallantly to preserve their liberty from a powerful neighbor. Yet Ireland's ease is remarkable in the intensity of its resistance to foreign rule; England never felt that the Irish were truly conquered and periodically sent troops to reconquer this island. But in 1921, after seven hundred years of possessing Ireland, England realized that the task of Irish conquest had never been completed and doubted that it was even possible.