Introduction To The Troubles

Question 1

What is a unionist and a nationalist

Answer 1

Unionist: someone who supports Northern Ireland’s position within Britain. They are typically PROTESTANT.
Nationalist: someone who wants a united Ireland. They are typically CATHOLIC

Question 2

What were Terence O’Neill’s Attempts to Improve the Economy

Answer 2

£900 million investment into the economy and create five economic zones to attract investment.

Create an Economic Council to modernise the economy.

O’Neill’s Economic Policies
Co-operation with the Irish Trades Union Congress to promote economic development.

Create a Ministry of Development.

Create a new city, Craigavon.

Build a new university in Coleraine.

Modernisation of road and railway netwo

Question 3

What were O’Neill’s Attempts to Improve Community Relations

Answer 3

Relations
●Visiting Cardinal William Conway
●Offering condolences when the Pope died.
●Visiting Catholic schools and hospitals, and increasing funding for them

Question 4

What were Reactions to O’Neill’s Policies

Answer 4

Unionist Reactions
Nationalist Reactions
Short term: increased political support from Unionists.
Initial reaction was positive.
Strong opposition from Rev Ian Paisley over the Taoiseach Sean Lemass’ visit to NI.
Nationalists took up position of official opposition in Stormont following Lemass’ video.
Support for O’Neill decreased throughout the 1960s and support for Ian Paisley grew.
Anger at Craigavon being named after James Craig.
1966 backbench plot to remove O’Neill as leader.
Felt that O’Neill’s policies favoured Protestants.
Rioting and the re-emergence of the UVF led to the deaths of two Catholics in May and June 1966.
Reactions to O’Neill’s Policies