Troubles NI 1969 -1972 Flashcards
What were the concerns about Northen Ireland
The marching season was approaching which raised concerns over the risk of violence.
Stormont was concerned as to whether or not the RUC could handle further outbreaks of violence.
British parliament had begun to feel concern about the situation in NI and had formed a cabinet committee on NI.
Dublin was concerned about the treatment of the Catholic population. Armed groups were beginning to emerge amongst loyalists and republicans
What was the Outbreak of Violence: July- August 1969
Belfast: House burnings, mostly carried out by loyalists. This led to many people having to leave their homes. 7 people died and 100 were wounded.
Derry/Londonderry: 12th August following an annual Apprentice Boys parade. Violence broke out and was concentrated in the Bogside area. The Irish Taoiseach, Jack Lynch, spoke of his concerns and moved Irish troops t and field hospitals to the border. This did not improve the situation.
The events in Derry/Londonderry became known as the ‘Battle of the Bogside’, with riots lasting over 50 hours. This eventually led to British troops being brought into NI and the re-emergence of the ira
What were the additional reforms?
One man one vote.
End to gerrymandering.
A committee on policing was established, led by Lord Hunt.
Setting up of the Scarman tribunal to investigate recent disturbances. Single housing authority was established.
Measures to stop discrimination in public employment.
Ministry of Community Relations was created.
What was the hunt report?
Recommendation to disarm the RUC and disband the B-Specials and replace them with the UDR (military force, part-time).
This led to extreme violence in the Shankill area of Belfast.
What were the Aims of PIRA?
1
Achieve civil rights
2
Defend the Catholic population
3
Destroy the Stormont government
4
Remove British imperialis
What were the British army doing in Northern Ireland
British Army in Northern Ireland
The British army was deployed in Northern Ireland on the 14th and 15th August 1969 following riots.
They were initially welcomed by the Nationalist community who saw them as protecters in comparison to the RUC.
The emergence of PIRA and the continuing decline of order in NI
What was the UVF
Re-emerged in mid-1960s.
Opposition to NICRA and civil rights.
They wanted an end to the Stormont government.
Return to old days of Unionist domination.
Oppose republican paramilitaries
What were the UDA
September 1971.
Defensive group that aimed to protect Protestant areas. It was, for the majority of its existence, was legal.
Resist republican paramilitaries.
30,000 members within a year.
Paramilitary actions carried out by Ulster Freedom Fighters (UFF), a break-off group of the UDA.
What was the Falls Road Curfew
July 1970: 34 hour curfew on the Falls Road.
House to house searches carried out by the British army to search for weapons.
Political disaster: declining relationship between British army and nationalists and increased IRA membership.
