Final answer:
Devolution between Ireland and Great Britain was influenced by the desire for Irish self-governance, leading to the Irish Free State's creation in 1922 and Northern Ireland remaining part of the UK. Deep-seated divisions and differing nationalist ambitions fueled ongoing conflicts and political developments. Economic growth in the 1990s marked Ireland's successful integration into the global economy.
Step-by-step explanation:
Devolution between Ireland and Great Britain occurred for a number of complex reasons rooted in political, cultural, and economic factors. A prime reason was the struggle for Irish self-governance, which eventually led to the creation of the Irish Free State in 1922 after the Anglo-Irish Treaty.
This treaty, which ended the Irish War of Independence, granted 26 southern counties of Ireland status as a dominion within the British Empire, allowing it to control its own laws and international relations, while the six northern counties remained part of the United Kingdom due to their largely Protestant population and economic connections to Britain.
The desire for complete independence was strong among many Irish republicans, with groups like Sinn Féin having split opinions over the treaty's provisions. The subsequent civil war evidenced the deep divisions within Ireland over the extent of sovereignty desired. Moreover, economic challenges constrained the Republic of Ireland's development until the 1990s, when the establishment of the European Union and advancements in technology made Ireland an attractive location for international corporations, fostering economic growth referred to as the Celtic Tiger.
In addition, the complex relationship between the concepts of nationalism and home rule influenced events. The Easter Rising of 1916, for instance, was a key moment in the push for Irish independence and exemplified the conflict between nationalist ambitions and the desire for local self-government. The later establishment of the Northern Ireland Assembly in 1998 represented ongoing efforts to address these ideological divides and the specific political circumstances of Northern Ireland.