Unit 2: Escalation Of Civil And Political Unrest

Question 1

What 2 things were the events in August 1969 responsible for?

Answer 1

• Deployment of British army in Northern Ireland

- Re emergence of IRA

Question 2

When was the Downing Street Declaration and what was its purpose?

Answer 2

The Downing Street Declaration was created in August 1969 and was created to reassure Unionist and Nationalist communities in NI

Question 3

Give 5 additional reforms of the Downing Street Declaration?

Answer 3

• Introduction of one man one vote and end to gerrymandering
• Committee on policing established
• Scarman Tribunal established to investigate recent disturbances
• Single Housing Authority established
• Preventing of discrimination in public employment

Question 4

Give 2 ways in which the Downing Street Declaration attempted to improve the economy?

Answer 4

• £2 million programme of work creating schemes established

- Increases in investment grants

Question 5

How did Unionists react to Downing Street Declaration?

Answer 5

Not happy, didn’t welcome reforms. Further angered by Hunt Report resulted in violence on Shankill Road

Question 6

How did Nationalists react to the Downing Street Declaration?

Answer 6

Reacted positively to reforms believing reformed political system and improved future now within their grasp

Question 7

What 2 groups did the IRA split in to?

Answer 7

• The Official IRA

- The Provisional IRA

Question 8

Name the 4 objectives of the Provisional IRA?

Answer 8

• Civil Rights
• Defence of Catholics
• Destruction of Stormont
• Removal of British Imperialism

Question 9

Why did the army call a 34 hour curfew on the Lower Falls area of Belfast to do a house to house search in Mid 1970?

Answer 9

In order to protect itself from a growing threat of an IRA attack.

Question 10

What were the results of the 34 hour curfew on Lower Falls?

Answer 10

Some weapons and explosives found, but overall political disaster. Army’s relationship with Nationalists damaged, IRA membership increased

Question 11

What new unionist political party was established in September 1971? What was its aim?

Answer 11

The DUP’s aim was to defend constitution of NI and reform its economy and society

Question 12

What new party was established in April 1970? What were it’s aims?

Answer 12

The Alliance Party was neither Unionist nor Nationalist and aimed to put in place many of O’Neill’s reforms not put in to effect

Question 13

Who was the leader of the DUP?

Answer 13

Ian Paisley

Question 14

Who was the leader of the Alliance Party?

Answer 14

Oliver Napier

Question 15

When was the SDLP founded, who was its leader and what were its aims?

Answer 15

It was founded in August 1970, led by Gerry Fitt. It’s aims were eventual re unification of Ireland, also moderately left wing on social and economic issues

Question 16

When and why was Internment put in place by Brian Faulkner?

Answer 16

In August 1971, in response to increasing pressure from the Unionist Community for firm action to be taken to attempt to reduce the levels of violence

Question 17

Was internment in August 1971 successful?

Answer 17

No, not one of 452 arrested were in Provisional IRA. Plus only Nationalists and Civil Rights Supporters interned, no loyalists despite loyalist violence

Question 18

How did Unionists react to Internment?

Answer 18

Happy initially but support decreased when policy failed to reduce violence

Question 19

How did Nationalists react to Internment?

Answer 19

Saw policy as one sided and open to abuse. IRA membership increased

Question 20

Give 4 responses of Internment in August 1971?

Answer 20

• Increased violence, from August to end of year 143 people died due to violence
• Establishment of UDA in September 1971
• Nationalists withheld their rent in protest at the policy
• Civil Rights marches localised

Question 21

When and What was Bloody Sunday?

Answer 21

It happened in January 1972. A riot had broken out after another Civil Rights march in the Bogside. Troops from the Parachute Regiment were ordered in and shot 13 men dead, as well as injured 13 more.

Question 22

Give 5 results of Bloody Sunday?

Answer 22

• Continued support for government from Unionists
• Nationalist hostility increased
• Britain faced international condemnation for role it was playing in NI
• IRA membership increased
• Increasing violence led to formation of Ulster Vanguard, a co ordinating for traditional loyalist groups

Question 23

What exactly happened in August 1969?

Answer 23

Intense violence and rioting broke out in Derry. The Taoiseach sent troops and field hospitals to the border which further increased tensions. The rioting became known as the Battle of the Bogside, which was ended by a small number of troops

Question 24

What changes were proposed in March 1972?

Answer 24

• Transfer of security control to Westminster
• Referendum on future of the border
• Gradual removal of internment
• Appointment of Secretary of State
• Holding of talks in attempt to establish Community Government

Question 25

Who was appointed as Northern Ireland’s Secretary of State?

Answer 25

William Whitelaw

Question 26

How did Unionists react to the suspensions of Stormont in March 1972?

Answer 26

They were horrified as there was no now barrier against a United Ireland. The Ulster Vanguard set up massive strikes and shutdowns in protest

Question 27

How did Nationalists react to Stormont being suspended in March 1972?

Answer 27

Few tears were shed, SDLP welcomed chance of new beginning. IRA happy to see Stormont gone, but opposed Direct Rule

Question 28

Give 2 atrocities of July 1972?

Answer 28

• Bloody Friday. IRA detonated 20 bombs around Belfast in one hour.
• IRA bomb exploded in Claudy in Co. Derry

Question 29

What was Operation Motorman?

Answer 29

This was a successful operation to allow army and police to reclaim control of Paramilitary no go areas. Encouraged moves towards a government with cross - community support