Northern Ireland Conflict (1969-72)

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Questions and Answers

What event prompted Harold Wilson to announce the deployment of British troops to Northern Ireland?

A meeting with US officials regarding civil rights

Civil unrest and violence in Nationalist areas (correct)

A request from the RUC for additional support

The announcement of the Downing Street Declaration

Which statement accurately reflects the British government's view on the issues in Northern Ireland?

The issue was largely related to economic disparities.

The problem was primarily about political power.

They viewed it as a territorial dispute.

They considered it a civil rights issue. (correct)

What key assurance was included in the Downing Street Declaration?

All citizens must be members of the Unionist party.

Northern Ireland must become a separate state within five years.

Northern Ireland’s Government will be abolished immediately.

The people of Northern Ireland must consent to any change in its status. (correct)

Which reform was NOT introduced following the arrival of British troops?

Creation of a Ministry of Defense Signup and view all the answers

What was the purpose of the Independent Community Relations Commission established after the unrest?

To investigate recent disturbances in the community. Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the measures taken to prevent discrimination in public job allocations?

Implementation of merit-based hiring systems. Signup and view all the answers

What economic initiative was included among the reforms following the deployment of troops?

Creation of £2 million work schemes. Signup and view all the answers

What controversial group was specifically investigated in the enquiry led by Sir John Hunt?

The Royal Ulster Constabulary’s ‘B’ Specials Signup and view all the answers

What was the purpose of the Hunt Report published in October 1969?

To criticise the RUC for bias and suggest disbandment of the ‘B’ Specials Signup and view all the answers

Which group was created as a part-time force under the control of the British Army in 1970?

Ulster Defence Regiment Signup and view all the answers

How did Nationalists initially perceive the British troops when they arrived in Northern Ireland?

As protectors against sectarian attacks Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary aim of the Alliance Party when it was formed?

To bridge the gap between Catholic and Protestant citizens Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant consequence of the disbandment of the 'B' Specials?

Escalation of rioting in Loyalist areas Signup and view all the answers

Who was the leader of the SDLP when it was established?

Gerry Fitt Signup and view all the answers

What actions taken by the British Army soured the initial goodwill of the Nationalists?

Conducting searches for arms and making arrests Signup and view all the answers

Why did Unionists and Loyalists feel frustrated after the events of 1969?

They believed violence was being rewarded and lost control Signup and view all the answers

What significant political change occurred in the Unionist Party around 1971?

The establishment of the DUP led by Ian Paisley Signup and view all the answers

What issue contributed to the tensions in Northern Ireland in the summer of 1969?

Gerrymandering that angered the Protestant community Signup and view all the answers

What was a key difference between the SDLP and the old Nationalist Party?

The SDLP was left of centre in social and economic policies Signup and view all the answers

What motivated the formation of the DUP?

Need for a stronger stance against terrorism Signup and view all the answers

What previous campaign had the IRA been involved in before it re-emerged in 1969?

A fight against the British Army from 1956 to 1962 Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary source of support for the DUP?

Protestants who wanted stronger measures to ensure the Union Signup and view all the answers

Which political party was formed in August 1970?

SDLP Signup and view all the answers

Who was the first leader of the Alliance Party?

Oliver Napier Signup and view all the answers

What event is known as Bloody Sunday?

A protest against internment in Londonderry Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the primary reactions of nationalists to Bloody Sunday?

Shock and anger over the deaths Signup and view all the answers

What was a consequence of the inquiry led by Lord Widgery regarding Bloody Sunday?

It found the Army blameless for the shootings. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following actions did Faulkner believe was necessary?

To protect life and property by dealing with the IRA threat Signup and view all the answers

What major formation was established in September 1971?

UDA Signup and view all the answers

What was one major issue Faulkner acknowledged about internment?

It failed to stop the PIRA as many escaped. Signup and view all the answers

Which event involved the deaths of 15 people at McGurks Bar in Belfast?

The bombing by the UVF Signup and view all the answers

What action did the Army take during the civil rights march that led to Bloody Sunday?

They conducted a baton charge and used CS gas. Signup and view all the answers

What was one reaction of the Nationalists to the events of Bloody Sunday?

They demanded an inquiry into the events. Signup and view all the answers

What consequence followed the increase in IRA violence after Bloody Sunday?

Formation of the Ulster Vanguard. Signup and view all the answers

How did some Unionists initially respond to the events of Bloody Sunday?

They expressed shock and sadness regarding the casualties. Signup and view all the answers

What was one major finding of the Saville Report regarding the victims of Bloody Sunday?

All victims were innocent. Signup and view all the answers

What was the British government's conclusion regarding security in Northern Ireland following Bloody Sunday?

They decided to take complete responsibility for security. Signup and view all the answers

What triggered the increase in IRA membership after Bloody Sunday?

A rise in violence and hostility in Nationalist towns. Signup and view all the answers

In response to the events, what action was taken concerning the Widgery Inquiry?

The case was reopened for further investigation. Signup and view all the answers

What did the attack on the British embassy in Dublin illustrate?

The anger felt in the Republic of Ireland. Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the political actions taken by the Irish government in 1972 against Sinn Fein?

They closed the headquarters of Sinn Fein in Dublin. Signup and view all the answers

Which operation led the British government to seek a political settlement in Northern Ireland?

Operation Motorman Signup and view all the answers

What happened in Dublin in December 1972?

Two people were killed by Loyalist bombs. Signup and view all the answers

Who was imprisoned by the Irish government for their association with the IRA?

Sean MacStoifain Signup and view all the answers

What was a reaction of Unionists to the introduction of Direct Rule?

They viewed it as an attack on their identity. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the aftermath of Bloody Sunday?

A surge in tensions between Unionists and Nationalists. Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary aim of talks initiated by the British government in September 1972?

To establish a framework for political settlement. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about RTE is true?

The Board was dissolved after airing pro-IRA content. Signup and view all the answers

Who were the Provisional leaders arrested in December 1972?

Ruari O’Bradaigh and Martin McGuinness Signup and view all the answers

What effect did Operation Motorman have on the political landscape in Northern Ireland?

It prompted discussions for direct governance. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Deteriorating Situation in Northern Ireland (1969-72)

Tensions escalated in Northern Ireland during the summer of 1969, marked by increased sectarian violence and the intervention of British and Irish governments.
Paramilitary groups (Republicans and Loyalists) re-emerged, using more violent methods than previously witnessed.
Internment was introduced, causing widespread protest and further escalating tensions.
The Stormont government's authority declined following a series of events, ultimately leading to Direct Rule by the British government.

Increasing Tensions and Violence (Summer 1969)

Sectarian violence broke out in Belfast during the marching season, particularly around 12th August 1969.
Rioting spread to Derry, resulting in clashes between loyalists and Catholics, and the RUC (Royal Ulster Constabulary), with significant use of tear gas, petrol bombs, and rubber bullets.
The "Battle of the Bogside" was a significant three-day riot.
The violence displaced thousands, with many houses burnt and a considerable death toll.

British and Irish Government Intervention

Harold Wilson, the British Prime Minister, sent British troops to Belfast and Londonderry to restore order in August 1969.
Jack Lynch, the Irish Prime Minister, responded by proposing Army Units stationed at the border and field hospitals to assist Irish refugees.

Downing Street Declaration (1969)

The declaration affirmed that Northern Ireland would remain part of the UK and its citizens had equal rights, regardless of religion or political views.

Stormont Government Reforms

Reorganisation of the RUC (Royal Ulster Constabulary).
Creation of a Ministry of Community Relations.
Independent Community Relations Commission (Scarman Tribunal) to investigate disturbances.
Establishment of a Commission of Complaints.
Reforms to local government (one-man-one-vote and redistricting).
Housing allocation reform.

Paramilitary Organisations

The IRA split, with the Provisional IRA (PIRA) emerging as a more militaristic faction, focused on driving British forces out of Northern Ireland.
The UVF and UDA were formed to counter the IRA and enforce unionist control.

Civil Rights Leaders and Reports

Civil rights leaders saw their agenda being embraced.
The Cameron Report in September 1969 criticized both the Northern Ireland Government and the RUC for handling the violence.
The Hunt Report proposed the disbanding of the B Specials and other measures.

1970-1972 Key Events

The IRA bombing campaign was a frequent source of violence throughout the period.
Internal violence increased, and the British government deployed more troops.
Nationalists felt betrayed by the government response to Bloody Sunday.
The Stormont government was suspended and Direct Rule implemented in March 1972.

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Description

Explore the deteriorating situation in Northern Ireland from 1969 to 1972, marked by sectarian violence, the rise of paramilitary groups, and the introduction of internment. This quiz delves into key events such as the Battle of the Bogside and the decline of the Stormont government's authority.