The Irish Free State (Irish: Saorstát Éireann ; 6 December 1922 – 1937) was the state established in 1922 as a dominion under the Anglo-Irish Treaty signed by British and Irish representatives exactly twelve months beforehand. On the day the Irish Free State was established, it comprised the entire island of Ireland, but Northern Ireland almost immediately exercised its right under the treaty to remove itself from the new state. The Irish Free State effectively replaced both the self-proclaimed Irish Republic (founded 21 January 1919) and the Provisional Government of Southern Ireland. W. T. Cosgrave, the first President of the Irish Free State had led both of these "governments" since August 1922.
The Irish Free State came to an end in 1937, when the citizens voted by referendum to replace the 1922 constitution. It was succeeded by the sovereign and current state of Ireland.
Read more about Irish Free State: Historical Background, Northern Ireland "opts Out", Governmental and Constitutional Structures, The Irish Civil War, Demographics, After The Irish Free State
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“The Irish are a fair people; they never speak well of one another.”
—Samuel Johnson (17091784)
“I discuss with myself questions of politics, love, taste, or philosophy. I let my mind rove wantonly, give it free rein to follow any idea, wise or mad that may present itself.... My ideas are my harlots.”
—Denis Diderot (17131784)
“Realizing that his time was nearly spent, he gave full oral instructions about his burial and the manner in which he wished to be remembered.... A few minutes later, feeling very tired, he left the room, remarking, I have no disposition to leave this precious circle. I love to be here surrounded by my family and friends. Then he gave them his blessing and said, I am ready to go and I wish you goodnight.”
—For the State of New Hampshire, U.S. public relief program (1935-1943)