The Sectarian Summer Of ‘69 Flashcards
How did James Chichster-Clarke respond to the increase in violence during the summer of 1969?
He mobilised the B-specials to support the RUC.
This provoked further catholic resentment.
Where did violence break out during the summer of 1969?
First in Belfast- loyalists burnt houses
Londonderry- 12 August catholic rioters and the RUC fought for 3 days
At the same time rows of houses were burnt and 500 mostly catholic families were driven from their homes.
How did the republic’s prime minister, Jack Lynch, respond to the situation?
Threatened to intervene.
Irish army units were sent to the border. Field hospitals were opened to deal with the refugees.
How did the labour P.M. Harold Wilson react to the situation?
Decided the situation was out of control.
On 15 August he ordered British troops into Belfast and Londonderry to relieve the exhausted RUC.
The troops were welcomed by catholics as protectors.
Who came up with the Downing Street Declaration?
James Chichester Clarke and Harold Wilson
What did the Downing Street Decloration state?
Unionists were guaranteed that Northern Ireland would not cease to be part of the UK without the consent of the people of NI.
Nationalists were told they would have the same rights as every other British citizen in the United Kingdom.
What reforms did the government make after the Downing Street declaration 1969 that were aimed towards nationalists?
Reform of one man one vote and an end to Gerrymandering.
The creation of a new ministry of community relations.
The establishment of a commission of complaints.
Measures to prevent discrimination in the allocation of government jobs.
A single housing authority was set up to ensure fair allocation of local authority housing.
B specials replaced by a new ulster defence regiment.
Reorganisation of the RUC.
The Scarman Tribunal was set up to investigate recent disturbances.
What reforms did the government make after the Downing Street declaration that were aimed towards unionists?
£2 million programmes of work creating schemes was set up
Increase in investment grants.
Unionists were guaranteed that NI would not cease to be part of the UK without the consent of the people of NI.
What was the nationalist reaction to the Downing Street Declaration 1969?
The civil rights leaders, surprised to see their programme officially adopted, had no further plans for political activity.
What was the Unionist reaction to the Downing Street Declaration 1969?
Despite the reassurances of the DSD many Unionists were concerned at what they saw as continuing concessions to nationalists. The last straw was the hunt report which wanted the B specials disbanded and the RUC disarmed.
Anger and extreme loyalist violence erupted on the Shankill road.
What Republican paramilitaries existed? What were their aims?
Official IRA. To create a communist Ireland.
PIRA (provisional IRA). Civil Rights, defence of the catholic population, destruction of Stormont, Removal of British imperialism (Brits out), Irish Unity.
INLA (Irish nationalist libertarian army). Militant wing of the official IRA, communist Ireland.
What loyalist paramilitaries existed?
UVF. Keep ulster British, counter IRAs violence.
UDA. Defend loyalist communities.
What political parties emerged in the early 1970s?
SDLP. Led by Gerry Fitt, it aimed for Irish Unity.
DUP. Led by Rev Ian Paisley, it aimed to protect the constitutional position of Northern Ireland while pursuing more progressive policies.
Alliance. Led by Oliver Napier, it aimed to achieve the parts of O’Neils promises that had not yet been delivered.
How did nationalists react to the British army at first?
Welcomed them, seeing them as their protectors.
How did unionists react to the British army at first?
Welcomed them to return calm to the streets, resented the additional interference in their handling of Northern Ireland matters. Many saw this as the first step in the establishment of ‘direct rule’ from westminister.
