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Consequences of Conflict on N. Ireland

Consequences of Conflict on N. Ireland. Peaceful Protest Marches vs Violence. Civil Rights movements started in 1960s : - demanded equal rights - protested against unfair treatment of the Catholics - made peaceful demands for basic rights such as housing, jobs, education and voting

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Consequences of Conflict on N. Ireland

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  1. Consequences of Conflict on N. Ireland

  2. Peaceful Protest Marches vs Violence Civil Rights movements started in 1960s : - demanded equal rights - protested against unfair treatment of the Catholics - made peaceful demands for basic rights such as housing, jobs, education and voting - Civil Rights Movement in 1968 was a beginning of the period called the ‘Troubles’

  3. How did the Protestants react to these marches? • - Protestants reacted with hostility and violence • - Saw the movement as an attempt to weaken the government

  4. In 1969, • the British Army was sent to Northern Ireland to help keep peace • - Catholics welcomed their protectors (thought that the British Army was neutral)

  5. In 1971, • N. Ireland government introduced the ‘internment laws’ • These laws gave the British Army the power to arrest, interrogate and detain without trial, anyone suspected of being involved in any acts to weaken the government - Catholics soon lost faith in the British Army when the army started to search their homes and made arrests

  6. In 1972, • - A peaceful civil rights march was shot at by the British soldiers • - 13 civilians were shot dead and many more were wounded • - This incident is called the ‘Bloody Sunday’ incident • - It marked the beginning of violent conflict between the Catholics and the Protestants

  7. Violence • The Catholics suffered at two fronts : • 1. The Protestant Mob • Catholic homes were petrol-bombed by Protestant mobs forcing families to flee • Their homes were looted • Catholic businesses and pubs were burnt and destroyed

  8. 2. Security Forces: The Police and BritishArmy • The police did help to ease the tense situation • The British Army attacked Catholic homes and damaged their property.

  9. Involvement of Irish Republican Army (IRA) - IRA was an illegal organisation formed by the Northern Irish Catholics - Its mission was to use violence to rid Northern Ireland of the British Army and the representatives of the British government - Within 2 decades of the conflict , many people were killed - IRA was said to be responsible for 2/3 of the deaths and even the killing of innocent Protestants

  10. Effects of Protestants–Catholic Conflict • The conflict resulted in : • Political Impact • Economic Impact • Social Impact

  11. Political Impact • The Civil Rights did put pressure on N.Ireland government to change the discriminatory laws • Political Reform (political improvement) occurred • N. Ireland government agreed to abolish unfair voting system and review schemes for allocating government-owned houses

  12. Economic Impact • The conflicts created an unstable situation in N. Ireland • Foreign-owned factories closed down as operating costs increased (had to pay for damages etc) • Also, discouraged more domestic and foreign investments coming into the country (why would you invest in an unstable economy?) • Revenue earned as a country decreased

  13. Social Impact • Education system and prevailing beliefs of one another has created an atmosphere of tension • Catholics and Protestants have been socially segregated and do not mix with one another • This increases the lack of understanding they have of one another • Makes the chance of resolution of the conflict harder and increases the rift between the 2 groups

  14. Hope for Peace in N.I.? Attempts at resolutions • Attempts by the British government made to bring about peace (1970s – 1990s) • IRA & members of British govt met, but no resolution could be agreed upon • Late 1990s, 4 groups came together to one again, talk about peace in N. Ireland - British govt - Irish Republic of Ireland - IRA - Northern Ireland community leaders

  15. The Good Friday Peace Agreement was reached in 1998 Some terms: • A united Ireland could not be brought about without the consent of the people living in N. Ireland • A council involving both ministers from N. Ireland and Republic of Ireland to discuss issues of mutual interests (tourism and fisheries) • N. Ireland govt to work on decommissioning of IRA weapons (putting weapons out of use)

  16. Is peace possible? Does the Good Friday agreement mean that the conflict is over? • Does show some progress in attempting to stop the immediate violence • However, embedded prejudice and discrimination will take longer to change Are the people of N. Ireland ready to make changes towards peace?

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