The Troubles under Heath Flashcards
What party was Heath and the Conservatives connected to? + example of policy he supported
He supported the unionists so backed their leader Brian Faulkner’s policies like internment in 1971 which was 95% catholic.
List 3 acts of violence that occurred between 1971-1974
March 1971 - 3 British soldiers killed and the IRA claim responsibility - this led to 4000 shipworkers marching for internment
30th January 1972 - Bloody Sunday - British Army kills 13 civilians on a nationalist march
February 1974 - 12 killed by IRA bomb in M62 army coach - led to Heath suspending Stormont and imposing direct rule from Westminster
What was the Sunningdale Agreement?
Heath had negotiations with Unionists and Nationalists (though Sinn Fein were excluded) and came up with the agreement. It included the creation of a power sharing executive where both sides have representation - the Northern Ireland Assembly would be elected by proportional representation and there would be input from Ireland’s Republic.
What were the initial reactions to the Sunningdale Agreement?
Extremists from both sides thought it was a sell out so branded themselves ‘anti-agreement’ parties and actually worked together not to split the vote instead placing one anti-agreement MP in each constituency. They won 11 out of 12 for anti-agreement.
List 2 different groups associated with both unionists and nationalists
Ulster Defence Association - UDA
Ulster Volunteer Force - UVF
Irish Republican Army - IRA
Irish National Liberation Army - INLA
