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In the post-war election of 1919, the nationalist Sinn Féin party won the majority of Irish seats (in the Westminster parliament). The members then declared Ireland independent and formed the Dáil Éireann (Irish Assembly). The Irish War of Independence followed, ending in 1921 with the Anglo-Irish Treaty that established the Irish Free State. The treaty allowed six of the northern counties of Ulster – mostly still in favour of union with Britain – to opt out of the Free State, a right they promptly exercised.

A Victorian post box overstamped with the ‘SE’ Irish Free State mark

The Treaty was, however, divisive among nationalists, many of whom objected to the partition of Ireland. The Free State’s status as a dominion, albeit autonomous, of the hated British Empire also rankled. The subsequent Irish Civil War of 1922-23 between pro- and anti-Treaty forces petered out into a de facto victory for those backing the deal. However, the loss of lives – including charismatic and high-profile figures such as Michael Collins – and the damage from guerrilla warfare laid a poor foundation for a fledgling independent nation.