Final answer:
The Irish historically disliked the English due to centuries of oppression, cultural suppression, and religious discrimination. This tension continued into the New World and was evident in the Irish Free State's quest for independence and the division between the north and the south of Ireland.
Step-by-step explanation:
The historical relationship between the Irish and the English is complex and fraught with tension. Many Irish people disliked the English due to a long history of oppression and control over Ireland. In Ireland, the English were known for suppressing Irish language and culture and imposing discriminatory practices, particularly against Catholics. This animosity was transported to the New World, where Irish immigrants continued to face prejudice and were seen as suitable only for menial labor. The Anglo-Irish Treaty later allowed for the creation of the Irish Free State, but the division between the six predominantly Protestant counties in the north and the rest of Ireland, mainly Catholic, led to further strife and long-term violence. Additionally, the quest for complete independence from the United Kingdom remained a significant point of contention, with groups like Sinn Féin advocating for total sovereignty. Therefore, the relationship between the Irish and the English has been characterized by a strong sense of dislike rather than affinity