Campaign for civil rights Flashcards
What does NICRA stand for
Northern Ireland Civil Rights Act
When was NICRA established and by who
It was established in 1967 by Paddy Devlin
What was the reason for the emergence of NICRA
Inspired by the civil rights campaign for equality for blacks in the USA, it was set up as a non-sectarian movement to end abuse in the existing political system
- What were NICRAs aims (First 4)
- To achieve One man, one vote
- To ensure Fair allocation of housing
- To end Gerrymandering.
- To prevent discrimination in the allocation of government jobs.
- What were NICRAs aims (Last 3)
- To remove special powers act of 1922
- To Disband the B-specials
- To Establish a formal complaints procedure against local authorities
What were the Catholic responses to NICRA
- Support came from mainly New Generation Catholics,
as these were the first to benefit from free education in the 1940s. - Catholics had a growth in self-confidence.
- Catholics were happy with NICRA as they didn’t like their Nationalist party led by Eddie McAteer as they seemed to only want the ending of the partition.
What were the Protestant responses to NICRA
- Liberal Protestants sympathised with some NICRA aims as it would make NI fairer and would undermine demands for a united Ireland.
- But there was also suspicion within Unionist community as they felt its intent was to cause trouble and was only interested in Catholics and would undermine protestant position.
When was the first peaceful march in NI
24th of August 1968
What was the reason for the march in August between Tyrone and Dungannon
- It took place because of the decision made in Dungannon to give a council house in Tyrone to a 19 year old Protestant girl over a Nationalist family
When was the second march held
5th of October 1968, March was suggested by Austin Currie (Nationalist Mp)
What was the response to the second March in October
Unionist Apprentice Boys threatened a rival march
What was the response to this rival march
The Stormont government banned the holding of any marches East of the River Foyle or within the historic walls.
Did NICRA go by this ban of marches
No
How did NICRA worsen the situation of NI and cause violence
- As the marches were seen as proactive especially through Protestant areas
- NICRA marches were coming into contact with Unionist counter demonstrations.
Why was the Five-Point reform programme introduced
it was introduced as a result of increased violence
When was the Reform announced and when was it to commence
November 22nd and to be set in place by the end of 1971
What were the 5 main proposals of the Reform
- The allocation of Council housing through a points system
- The replacement of a Derry Corporation with a development commission.
- The removal of parts of the Special power act of 1922.
- Reforms within local government including the end of extra votes for business owners.
- The appointments of an Ombudsman to investigate complaints
What were other problems that NI faced after protests stopped
- The reforms upset Unionists who opposed Concessions to the threat of violence and felt their position was under threat.
- O’Neill faced opposition from his own party with home affairs minister William Craig who was later fired.
Was NICRA effective
NICRA needs being achieved would suggest it was effective
What were the reasons for the emergence of the peoples democracy
This group formed out of anger at the violence that NICRA faced and the desire to disrupt Stormont administration
What were the people democracy demands
- One man one vote
- Fair boundaries
- Houses on need
- Jobs on merit
- Free speech
- Repeal of the special powers act
What happened between the 1st and the 4th of January 1969
Ambush at Burntollet
What happened during the Ambush at Burntollet
- As the march went through Protestant areas it forced police to enforce different routes to avoid confrontation.
- On the third day violence started as the marchers were the target of an ambush at Burntollet Bridge, Police did little to deflect.
- Later in the night police in Derry rampaged through Nationalist areas.
What were the responses to the Ambush
- NICRA called off its marches in response to O’Neills reforms but started to march again created violence.
- O’Neill established the Cameron Commission to investigate increased violence.
- Faulkners opinion on O’Neills lack of strength gained support.
- O’Neill called general election called “Crossroads election” to prove public opinion was behind his motions to modernise NI.
When did the crossroads election take place
24th of February 1969
What were the reasons for the downfall of O’Neill
- There was reduction in Unionist support and increased division in loyalty of the UUP Mps elected.
- There was little evidence for the support from Catholic voters.
- O’Neill never faced an opponent which was Ian Paisley
When did O’Neill resign
28th of April 1969
What was the last reason for the downfall of O’Neill
A series of Bombings that were seemed to be the work of the IRA but was a Loyalist attack to force O’Neill out.
Who was O’Neill succeeded by
He was succeeded by his cousin Major James Chichester-Clark who resigned from the government less thank a week before the council elections in protest of O’Neills introduction of One man One vote
