During World War 2, Ireland declared neutrality to assert its sovereignty and independence following the partition of Ireland in 1921. Ireland pursued a policy of pro-Allied neutrality by secretly assisting Britain through weather reports and allowing escaped Allied prisoners while maintaining economic trade. This policy was popular among the Irish people who were spared the suffering of war but it created tensions with Britain and the United States who wanted Ireland to join the Allied effort more directly. The war had significant economic impacts on Ireland through rationing, unemployment, inflation, and difficulties obtaining imports.