The Northern Ireland 'Troubles'

Question 1

The Partition of Ireland (1922)

Answer 1

• December 6th 1922: Irish Free State was born due to the Government of Ireland Act 1920
• Provided the unionists 6 counties in Ulster (Northern Ireland), the opportunity to opt out of any future Irish Free State and remain part of the UK
• Northern Ireland government immediately decided to remain as part of the UK
• December 7th 1922: Parliament of Northern Ireland was created

Question 2

The Northern Ireland Civil Rights Movement

Answer 2

• 1964: civil rights movements started by Catholics in Northern Ireland due to being discriminated against
• Various groups began protesting the Northern Ireland government for de facto segregation policies
• Inspired by MLK and AA’s civil rights movement in America
• Wanted equality for all in terms of equal job, housing, voting and policing reforms
• 1969: Civil rights marches held to protest against Catholic discrimination

Question 3

The Battle of Bogside (1969)

Answer 3

• August 12th 1969: loyalist Protestant Apprentice Boys did their annual march in the Catholic area of Bogside, Derry
• Resulted in 3 days of rioting
• Protestant dominated police (RUC) tried to storm the Bogside but were held back in 2 days of rioting
• TV broadcasts showed RUC officers beating Catholics, violence/aggression
• Riots also broke out across the rest of Northern Ireland, mainly Belfast

Question 4

British Army is Deployed to Northern Ireland (1969)

Answer 4

• August 14th 1969: Wilson’s government sent British troops into Northern Ireland to maintain peace
• At first they were welcomed by both Protestants and Catholics
• Both believed the British would defend them from the other side as a neutral force
• Happy relationship didn’t last long
• British army seen by the Catholics as an occupying military force for the Protestant/loyalist side

Question 5

Northern Ireland Political Parties & Paramilitaries

Answer 5

*Unionist/Loyalist Parties
- Ulster Unionist Party: only major Unionist party until the Troubles, ruled Northern Ireland (1921-1972)
- Democratic Unionist Party: formed in 1971 by Reverend Ian Paisley, remained their leader until 2008
- The Alliance Party: formed in 1970, moderate Unionist to gain support from Catholics and Protestants

*Republican/Nationalist Parties
- Sinn Fein: Republican, formed in 1905 supported Provisional IRA during split in 1970
- Social Democratic Labour Party: formed by nationalists in 1970, fight for civil rights for Catholics, w/o violence

*Northern Ireland Paramilitary Orgs
- Irish Republican Army (IRA): Republican, split between Official IRA and Provisional IRA in 1970
- Irish National Liberation Army: Republican, formed out of the Official IRA in 1974
- Ulster Defence Association (UDA): Loyalist
- Ulster Volunteer Force: Loyalist