Civil Rights, Campaigns

Question 1

What was the influence form America?

Answer 1

Influence of America

Success of civil rights movements in America, especially Martin Luther King Jr’s campaign, inspired nationalists in Northern Ireland.

They created the Northern Ireland Civil Rights Association (NICRA) in 1967 as a result.

Question 2

What were the amis of NICRA

Answer 2

Aims of NICRA

One man, one vote

Fair allocation of council houses

End gerrymandering

Stop discrimination in the allocation of government

Remove the Special Powers Act

Establishment of a formal complaints process: ombudsman

Disband the B Specials

Question 3

What were Attitudes towards NICRA

Answer 3

Catholics

Widespread support, especially amongst young Catholics. Many were unhappy with their Nationalist party and Eddie McAteer and felt that NICRA could make a difference

Liberal Protestants

Some sympathised with NICRAs demands and felt it would make Northern Ireland more fair.

Protestants/Unionists

Many were suspicious about the civil rights movement, suggesting NICRA wanted trouble, or was a front for the IRA. Many felt they wanted a united Ireland and so threatened the existence of Northern Ireland