Question

What is the main reason the people of southern Ireland desire independence from Great Britain

Answer 1

The reason southern Ireland wanted independence from Britain was religion. Ireland being catholic did not want to stay under the British crown who followed Protestantism. Ireland had suffered before under the hands of British in the 17th century. Also, Britain had little tolerance for Catholicism. The tension among the two grew and eventually they got independence in 1919.

Answer 2

There were numerous reasons why the people of southern Ireland wanted to be independent and not be under the British crown. Probably the main reason is religious one, as the British were predominantly Protestant, while the Irish were Catholic. There were lot of tensions based on the religion, and there were constant clashes and tensions between the two different religious groups. Not willing to be under the control of an empire that had different religion, and one that they despised, the Irish demanded independence, and eventually they managed to get it.