As part of the Studies in Modern History series, this textbook has been written primarily for undergraduate and postgraduate students on British, European and colonial history courses. The authors take a broad approach, combining the current state of knowledge in each area with their own research and judgements. This book examines the major historical issues of Ireland from 1800 to the present day in terms of politics, society and religion. The book combines a chronological and thematic approach - allowing students to pursue either a particular topic through its development or a period in all its complexity.