The Troubles under Wilson Flashcards
What are the origins of the Troubles?
1919-21 - Irish war for Independence led to Northern Ireland being created in 1922. These 6 counties would be in the UK while the other 26 would be Republic of Ireland. This began the fight between unionists (Protestant like Britain) and nationalists (Catholic like most of Ireland) as Stormont and politics were dominated by protestants.
What was the tension about in the 60s?
There was mounting evidence that Catholics were discriminated against in NI in terms of employment and housing leading them to be poorer. And also against the Royal Ulster Constabulary RUC who oppressed Catholics.
What began in 1964?
The civil rights movement for Catholics - some feared this was going to be the return of the IRA so set up paramilitary organisations to defend the union like the UVF (Ulster Volunteer Force)
What was the big event in 1969?
There was a Catholic protest in Bogside that was attacked by unionists where Catholics complained that the RUC didn’t defend them. This got worse in 1969 at the Battle of Bogside where the loyalist Apprentice Boys went ahead with a march through the catholic area and were attacked by nationalists. There was 2 days of rioting shown on TV that showed the RUC beating catholics.
What were the effects?
Rioting spread to other cities until Stormont announced concessions on housing and electoral boundaries. But then this sparked rioting from unionists. Wilson had to send British troops in 1969 to try and keep the peace.
