106 years ago today, on January 21, 1919 (December 20, 1918 lunar calendar), Ireland declared independence, and de Valera, who was still in prison, was elected president. In January 1919, Sinn Féin, who won the general election, led the convening of the Irish National Assembly, proclaimed the establishment of the Republic of Ireland, and de Valera, who was still in prison, was elected president. Britain refused to recognize the Republic of Ireland. Therefore, the anti-British guerrilla war broke out (1919-1921). December 21, 1948 announced its separation from the Commonwealth. April 18, 1949, Britain recognized the love of independence. De Valera, the leader of Ireland's struggle for independence, politician, and president of the republic (1959-1973). Born in New York in 1882, graduated from the Royal University in 1904, and later joined political activities and participated in the "Easter Rising" in 1916.