1964-70: The beginning of the ‘troubles’ in Northern Ireland Flashcards
When had Northern Ireland had been created?
In 1922 after the Irish war of independence.
What was extremely controversial at the time?
The partition of Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, leading to civil war, with unionists (UK) and nationalists (supporting a united Ireland).
Why were there disagreements over government?
Majority of people in the Republic of Ireland as a whole were Catholic but majority in Northern Ireland were Protestant. This meant that Protestant unionists dominated the Belfast parliament.
What was there mounting evidence of by 1966?
- Catholics in NI were discriminated against in employment and housing.
- Electoral boundaries had been deliberately drawn to prevent Catholics from being elected.
- Accusations that the NI police force was biased against Catholics.
What started to challenge this discrimination against the Catholics?
The civil rights movement in 1964. Tensions rose, as some unionists feared that the IRA would start a new campaign.
What did the unionists do to react?
Started to set up paramilitary organisations to defend the union.
What happened in 1968?
Civil rights marches were held to protest against discrimination but the loyalists attacked them. Catholics also complained the RUC failed to protect them.
How did the situation deteriorated further in 1969?
The loyalist Apprentice Boys went ahead with their annual march in Derry and were attacked by nationalists in the Catholic area of the Bogside.
How did the RUC (royal ulster constabulary) react to this attack on the apprentice boys?
They tried to storm the Bogside but were held back in two days of rioting. Television then showed RUC officers beating Catholics.
What happened to the riots after the apprentice boys?
They spread to other towns and cities - The Belfast government offered concessions on housing and electoral boundaries for Catholics; this sparked rioting from loyalists.
What happened in August 1969?
The Wilson government sent in British army troops in an attempt to keep the peace.
