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The Conflict in Northern Ireland

1921: Ireland seperated into two parts. The North still under British rule, the South a free state, still tied to Great Britain. 1948: Southern Ireland became a republic in 1948.

marny-mccoy
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The Conflict in Northern Ireland

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  1. 1921: Ireland seperated into two parts. The North still under British rule, the South a free state, still tied to Great Britain. 1948: Southern Ireland became a republic in 1948. The partition was not the end of the problems. Many Protestants considered themselves British, and wanted to keep the ties to Great Britain. What would happen to them as a group if they were to fall under Irish rule? Many Catholics on the other hand, wanted the entire island to be ruled as one, independent Irish Republic. Both sides turned to violence in order to force the other side to give up their claims. Terrorist groups: The Catholics well organised- the IRA. The Protestants smaller, less organised groups but equally dangerous and ruthless. Ex: The Ulster Defence League, the Red Hand Commandos. The Conflict in Northern Ireland

  2. The Troubles 1960-2007 • 1960s : Division between the Catholic and the Protestant communities. The Catholics were discriminated against (police harassment, exclusion from public service etc.) Result: A period of civil rights marches which descended into violent clashes between the two groups. The Police reacts with heavy-handed violence. • The British Army sent in. An attempt to control the situation and to force the IRA to their knees. This only provokes more Catholics to join the IRA. • 1971: The violence and unrest threatens to spiral out of control. Solution : Internment- detention of suspects without trial. It was a disaster. • 1972: Bloody Sunday. A peaceful demonstration. The police opens fire into the crowd. Who is to blame? Controversy. Result: More recruits to the IRA, more British troops deployed to Northern Ireland. “Direct rule”- Northern Ireland was now to be governed from Westminster. The highest annual death toll of the Troubles. • Over the next decade, a variety of peace initiatives were suggested, tested and ultimately defeated. Hunger strikes among Catholic prisoners, trying to force forth changes. The IRA continues their bombings on English soil, Margaret Thatcher barely escapes bomb attack.

  3. The Good Friday Agreement • Signed on 10th of April 1998. Supported in referendum. • Three key issues: 1.A power-sharing assembly to govern N.Ireland. 2.The Irish Republic gave up its claim to N.Ireland. 3. All weapons to be decommissioned. • Trusting “the other side” was a great obstacle on both sides. For a while the process seemed to have come to a stand-still. • In 2004 negotiations failed because of the IRA refused to decommission their weapons. In 2006 they finally agreed to “put their weapons beyond use”. • 2007: A Power Sharing Executive established to govern Northern Ireland.

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