Blanket Protests Flashcards
What major Northern Ireland issue did Wilson’s 1974–1976 government inherit?
The failure of the Sunningdale Agreement and the rising tensions in Northern Ireland.
What was the Sunningdale Agreement (1974)?
A power-sharing deal negotiated by Heath’s government involving UUP, SDLP, and the Alliance Party. It was opposed by both hard-line republicans and loyalists.
Why did the Sunningdale Agreement fail?
It faced opposition from Sinn Fein, the DUP, and paramilitary groups. The UUP began to turn against it, and it was brought down by the Ulster Workers’ Council strike.
What was the Ulster Workers’ Council Strike (1974)?
A strike led by Protestant workers and loyalists to bring down the Northern Ireland Executive created by the Sunningdale Agreement.
Who supported the Ulster Workers’ Council strike?
The DUP, UDA, and UVF — hard-line unionist politicians and Protestant loyalist paramilitaries.
What was the outcome of the Ulster Workers’ Council strike?
The strike forced a state of emergency. Brian Faulkner resigned, the Executive collapsed, and direct rule from Westminster was reimposed.
What was Wilson’s Northern Ireland policy (1974–1976)?
He established the Northern Ireland Constitution Convention to decide the future of government in NI.
Why did Wilson’s Northern Ireland Convention fail in 1976?
The July 1975 elections produced a majority opposed to power-sharing, making agreement with republicans impossible
What key policy did Callaghan introduce in 1976 regarding prisoners?
He removed Special Category Status from terrorist prisoners, classifying them as ordinary criminals.
Why did paramilitaries oppose the removal of Special Category Status?
They believed their members were soldiers in a war and deserved recognition as political prisoners or POWs.
What was the Maze Prison?
A prison in Northern Ireland used to house alleged paramilitaries during the Troubles (1971–2000).
What were the Blanket Protests?
Protests by IRA and INLA prisoners who refused to wear prison uniforms and instead used blankets to cover themselves.
What were the Dirty Protests (1978–1979)?
An escalation of the Blanket Protests where prisoners smeared excrement on cell walls to protest poor treatment and demand political status.
