Changing Republican Strategy Flashcards
Reasons for hunger strikes by Sinn Fein 1980-1981
The reasons for hunger strikes by Sinn Fein in 1980-1981 were related to political demands and the treatment of republican prisoners.
Example sentence: The hunger strikes were a response to the British government’s refusal to grant political prisoner status to republican inmates.
Impact of hunger strikes on republican strategy
The hunger strikes had a significant impact on republican strategy, leading to increased support for Sinn Fein and a shift towards a more political approach.
Example sentence: The hunger strikes helped Sinn Fein gain more public attention and support, leading to a reevaluation of their tactics.
Effect of Sinn Féin’s electoral success on the SDLP
Sinn Féin’s electoral success had an effect on the Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP), causing a decline in support for the SDLP as Sinn Fein emerged as a more prominent nationalist party.
Example sentence: Sinn Fein’s electoral victories led to a decrease in votes for the SDLP, reflecting a shift in nationalist politics in Northern Ireland.
What was the blanket protest of 1976
Prisoners refused to wear prison clothes so wore blankets instead
What was the dirty protest of 1978
Prisoners smeared their excrement on the walls of the prison cell
What was the hunger strikes of 1980 and 1981
First hunger strike organised by IRA prisoners. Stopped it as they thought their demands had been met.
Second one started by Bobby Sands in 1981. This was a phased strike to get more media attention. Bobby sands won a by election the the Fermanagh- Tyrone south area while in prison making headlines world wide.
Sands dies in strike 5th of may 1981
What were the changes in republican strategy?
Aramalite and ballot box. They preceded politically as well as with violence after the success of Bobbys Sands
How did Sinn Féin’s success affect the SDLP?
It took votes away from the SDLP
