Northern Ireland is a product of the opposing forces of imperialism and nationalism. Ireland was England's first colony, and it has been said that the conquest of Ireland was the model for British imperialism. As a consequence of England's attempt at domination, Ireland has been home to a variety of nationalist movements. The two nations' mutual history offers many insights into the relationship between imperialism and nationalism, and the impact of class, ethnicity, social consciousness, and national movements on this relationship. This chapter examines the origins and development of the conflict between British imperialism and Irish nationalism and analyzes the effects of this conflict on Northern Ireland as well as the nature and dynamics of the Irish struggle against British imperialism.