This document summarizes Ireland's path to independence in the early 20th century. It discusses how Ireland had long sought home rule from Britain. During World War I, Irish nationalists supported Britain in hopes of gaining home rule after the war, but the prolonged conflict led more radical groups like Sinn Fein to seek independence. Sinn Fein led the Easter Rising against Britain in 1916 and numerous Sinn Fein members were elected to parliament though they refused to sit in London. A de facto civil war broke out from 1918-1920 involving the IRA and British Black and Tans. The 1920 Home Rule Act granted Ireland independence except for counties in Ulster that remained part of Britain, leading to the establishment of the Irish Free State