Northern Ireland Conflict Overview 1969
50 Questions
1 Views

Choose a study mode

Play Quiz
Study Flashcards
Spaced Repetition
Chat to Lesson

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What was one of the immediate triggers of the violence in Derry in August 1969?

  • The Battle of the Bogside
  • Burning of Bombay Street
  • The deployment of Irish troops
  • The Apprentice Boys parade (correct)
  • How many people were killed in the violence during July 1969?

  • 7 (correct)
  • 10
  • 5
  • 14
  • What was a significant outcome of the clashes in Belfast during August 1969?

  • Increased attacks on loyalist homes
  • Deployment of the Irish army to Northern Ireland
  • Establishment of peace negotiations
  • Creation of refugee camps (correct)
  • What was the initial response of the Nationalists to the deployment of British army troops?

    <p>Gradual welcome followed by hostility (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the primary cause of the violence in Northern Ireland during the summer of 1969?

    <p>Ethnic tensions between communities (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Who was a notable leader of the opposition to the power-sharing executive in Sunningdale?

    <p>Ian Paisley (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which political group supported the power-sharing executive alongside the British government?

    <p>Alliance Party (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the name of the group formed by the combined opposition to the power-sharing executive?

    <p>United Ulster Unionist Council (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Who was the British government official supporting the power-sharing executive?

    <p>William Whitelaw (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which group opposed the power-sharing executive due to concerns about the Irish dimension?

    <p>Democratic Unionist Party (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the primary objective of the hunger strikes initiated by the Provisional Irish Republican Army (PIRA)?

    <p>Achieve Special Category Status (SCS) (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which significant event occurred on March 5, 1981, that impacted the hunger strike's efforts?

    <p>Frank Maguire passed away (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How did the second hunger strike initiated on March 1, 1981, differ from the previous one in 1980?

    <p>Inmates joined the strike at intervals (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the reaction of the Republican prisoners to the British government's stance on their clothing?

    <p>They believed a deal had been reached (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the outcome of Bobby Sands' participation in the hunger strike after 40 days?

    <p>He was elected as an MP (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the primary purpose of introducing Special Category Status in 1972?

    <p>To recognize political motivations for breaking the law (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following privileges did prisoners with Special Category Status enjoy?

    <p>Ability to wear their own clothes (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What changed regarding prisoners convicted after March 1976 in relation to Special Category Status?

    <p>They were treated like standard sentenced prisoners (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Who was responsible for the introduction of Special Category Status?

    <p>NI Secretary of State William Whitelaw (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following was NOT a benefit of Special Category Status?

    <p>Access to specialized medical care (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the date of Bobby Sands' death during the Hunger Strike?

    <p>5th May 1981 (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How many republican prisoners died during the Hunger Strike between March and October 1981?

    <p>10 (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What significant event occurred on 3rd October 1981 regarding the Hunger Strikes?

    <p>The Hunger Strike was called off (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the number of people who died as a result of violence triggered by the Hunger Strikers' deaths?

    <p>61 (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the British Government's stance regarding the demands of the political prisoners during the Hunger Strikes?

    <p>They were determined not to grant any demands. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the primary reason for Brian Faulkner and the NI government resigning on 24th March 1972?

    <p>Refusal to accept the transfer of security control to Westminster (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which change was NOT proposed by Edward Heath during the discussions on 22nd March 1972?

    <p>Formation of a united Ireland (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Who was appointed as the new Secretary of State for Northern Ireland after the introduction of Direct Rule?

    <p>William Whitelaw (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was one of the proposed strategies to include Catholics in the political process in Northern Ireland?

    <p>Creating a 'community government' (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What event triggered the series of changes including the introduction of Direct Rule in Northern Ireland?

    <p>The events of Bloody Sunday (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the primary reaction of the Nationalists to the government's approach during the Hunger Strikes?

    <p>They became more alienated from the NI state. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which concession was announced by James Prior shortly after the Hunger Strikes ended?

    <p>Prisoners would be allowed to wear their own clothes. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How did the Unionists view the Hunger Strikers?

    <p>As terrorists who should not be appeased. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the stance of the Irish Government during the Hunger Strikes?

    <p>They sought a political end to the violence. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the reaction of Republicans to the Hunger Strikes?

    <p>They gained further support for the PIRA. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the cause of the march organized by NICRA in Derry on October 5th, 1968?

    <p>Inequalities in Derry Corporation housing policy (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was a significant consequence of the Burntollet Attack on January 4th, 1969?

    <p>O'Neill established the Cameron Commission to investigate violence (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What event prompted NICRA to march from Belfast to Derry in January 1969?

    <p>Anger at the violence faced by NICRA in Derry (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which political figure resigned in protest as tensions escalated in Northern Ireland during January 1969?

    <p>Brian Faulkner (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the policy of Ulsterisation primarily involve?

    <p>Enhancing the RUC and UDR while reducing the British Army (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the overall public reaction to the RUC's actions during the NICRA marches?

    <p>Disillusionment and outrage towards RUC's partiality (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How did IRA prisoners respond to the removal of Special Category Status?

    <p>They initially refused to wear prison uniforms and used blankets instead (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was one of the tactics used by prisoners to try to achieve Special Category Status?

    <p>Attacking prison wardens (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What led the supporters of Republican prisoners to organize public demonstrations?

    <p>To advocate for the return of Special Category Status (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What misconception did the IRA prisoners have regarding their status as prisoners?

    <p>They considered themselves political prisoners and freedom fighters (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the reaction of Unionists to the removal of Stormont on March 28, 1972?

    <p>Horrified and viewed it as a threat to their identity (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How did the Nationalist community perceive the end of Stormont?

    <p>With happiness, marking a new political beginning (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What action did the Ulster Vanguard take in response to the removal of Stormont?

    <p>Organized strikes and shutdowns across Northern Ireland (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the reaction of the IRA regarding the imposition of Direct Rule?

    <p>They celebrated it as the accomplishment of destroying Stormont (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What significant effect did the removal of Stormont have on Loyalist paramilitaries?

    <p>A boost in support and increase in sectarian killings (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Flashcards

    1969 Northern Ireland violence

    A period of intense violence and rioting across Northern Ireland during the summer of 1969, involving Loyalists and Nationalists.

    Apprentice Boys parade

    A parade that triggered violence in Derry in 1969, leading to significant rioting known as the "Battle of the Bogside".

    Loyalist attacks

    Acts of violence by Loyalist groups, often including arson and property damage, leading to displacement of Nationalists.

    Derry Violence in 1969

    Events in Derry in August 1969 with major rioting, starting after the Apprentice Boys' parade, briefly calmed by Irish troops, escalated again.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Belfast Violence

    Escalated conflict in all parts of Belfast during 1969, characterized by clashes between Loyalists and Nationalists, and significant property damage.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Sunningdale Agreement Support

    Nationalists, some unionists, the British government, and the Alliance Party supported the 1973 power-sharing executive at Sunningdale.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Sunningdale Agreement Opposition

    Unionists (like the DUP), some other unionists, and groups like the Ulster Vanguard opposed the 1973 power-sharing agreement at Sunningdale.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    DUP Opposition

    Led by Ian Paisley, the DUP opposed the power-sharing executive at Sunningdale due to the Irish dimension.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    United Ulster Unionist Council (UUUC)

    A political alliance formed by groups opposing the Sunningdale Agreement.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Power-Sharing Executive

    A government structure where power is shared between different groups (e.g., unionists and nationalists).

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    PIRA Hunger Strike 1980

    The Provisional Irish Republican Army (PIRA) began a hunger strike in 1980, aiming for Special Category Status (SCS) from the British government.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    1981 Hunger Strike Strategy

    In 1981, the hunger strike employed a staggered approach, with prisoners joining at intervals instead of all at once, to prolong its impact and gain wider public pressure.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Bobby Sands' Election

    While on a hunger strike, Bobby Sands, a PIRA commander, was elected to the British Parliament (Westminster) as an anti-H-Block candidate for Fermanagh/South Tyrone, though unable to take his seat.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Special Category Status (SCS)

    A status sought by Republican prisoners to obtain more favorable treatment, notably regarding their conditions, and possibly reduce the severity of their time within the system.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    1981 Hunger Strike Failure

    Despite significant publicity and support, the 1981 hunger strike failed to change British government policy on prisoner status.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Hunger Strike Reactions: Nationalist

    The hunger strikes alienated Nationalists in Northern Ireland further. They felt that Thatcher's approach was overly forceful.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Hunger Strike Reactions: Republican

    The hunger strikes led to increased support for the Republican movement and the Provisional Irish Republican Army (PIRA).

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Hunger Strike Reactions: Unionist

    Unionists were relieved that the British Government didn't give in to the demands of the hunger strikers, whom they viewed as terrorists. They were concerned about growing IRA support and violence.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Hunger Strike Concessions

    No concessions were granted during the hunger strikes. However, after the strikes ended in October 1981, the new Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, James Prior, announced concessions.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Hunger Strike Concessions: Examples

    These concessions included: prisoners wearing their own clothes, a 50% reduction in prison sentences, more prison visits allowed, and more interaction among prisoners.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Special Category Status

    A status granted to prisoners in Northern Ireland in 1972 who claimed they broke the law for political reasons, granting them privileges like separate housing, wearing own clothes, and freedom from prison work.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Prisoners of War

    Individuals captured during armed conflict, given special protections under international law.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    What did SCS removal mean for prisoners?

    After March 1976, anyone convicted in Northern Ireland, regardless of their political motivations, would be treated the same as other prisoners – no special privileges.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    What were the benefits of SCS?

    Special Category Status allowed prisoners to have separate housing, wear their own clothes, avoid penal work, and receive more visits and food parcels from family and friends.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Why was SCS removed?

    The removal of Special Category Status aimed to treat all prisoners equally, regardless of their political motives, potentially reducing tensions and promoting fairness in the prison system.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Bobby Sands

    A member of the British Parliament who died during a hunger strike in 1981, protesting for political prisoner status.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Hunger Strikes (1980-1981)

    A series of protests by Irish Republican prisoners demanding political prisoner status, which resulted in the deaths of ten prisoners.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    British Government's Response

    Despite international pressure, the British government refused to grant political prisoner status to the strikers, leading to their deaths.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    International Pressure

    Many countries and organizations urged the British government to compromise with the hunger strikers, but their efforts were unsuccessful.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Violence in the Maze Prison

    Following the deaths of the hunger strikers, violence erupted inside the Maze prison leading to the deaths of 61 people.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Ulsterisation

    A policy of reducing the British Army's presence in Northern Ireland and increasing the size of the RUC and UDR, aiming to portray the conflict as an internal Irish issue.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Criminalisation

    A policy that removed Special Category Status (SCS) for those convicted of terrorist offenses in Northern Ireland, treating them as ordinary criminals.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Blanket Protest

    A protest by Republican prisoners in Northern Ireland, refusing to wear prison uniform and clothing, and instead wearing only blankets, to highlight their political status.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Smear Protest

    A protest by Republican prisoners in Northern Ireland, where they smeared their cell walls with excrement, to highlight their dissatisfaction with prison conditions and the lack of SCS.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Public Demonstrations

    Demonstrations organized by supporters of Republican prisoners in both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, to try and gain support for their demand for Special Category Status.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Direct Rule

    The British government's direct control over Northern Ireland, implemented in 1972 after the suspension of the Stormont Parliament.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Bloody Sunday

    The shooting of unarmed civilians in Derry, NI, on January 30, 1972, by British paratroopers, sparking public outrage and deepening distrust.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    What happened after the Stormont Parliament was dissolved?

    The British government introduced Direct Rule, taking direct control of Northern Ireland. A new Secretary of State for Northern Ireland was appointed, and decisions were made in Westminster.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    What was the main reason behind Direct Rule?

    The British government believed it needed to take control of security and law and order in Northern Ireland after the events of Bloody Sunday and the failure of the Stormont government to address the issues.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Who was the first Secretary of State for NI under Direct Rule?

    William Whitelaw was appointed as the first Secretary of State for Northern Ireland after the introduction of Direct Rule in 1972.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    NICRA Derry March

    A march organized by the Northern Ireland Civil Rights Association in Derry on October 5, 1968, that aimed to protest inequalities in housing policy and was met with violence by the Royal Ulster Constabulary (RUC).

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Burntollet Attack

    A violent ambush of a civil rights march by loyalist protesters on January 4, 1969, which occurred near Burntollet Bridge. The RUC appeared to do little to stop the attack, further raising tensions in Northern Ireland.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Cameron Commission

    An inquiry set up by the Northern Ireland government in January 1969 to investigate the increasing violence in the province.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Crossroads Election

    An election called by Prime Minister Terence O'Neill in 1969 to assess public opinion on his handling of the civil rights movement and the increasing violence in Northern Ireland.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Brian Faulkner's Resignation

    Brian Faulkner, a close associate of Terence O'Neill, resigned from the government in protest against the violence and the government's handling of the situation. He believed O'Neill was not strong enough to deal with the crisis.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Direct Rule Impact on Unionists

    The implementation of direct rule in Northern Ireland in 1972 led to a strong negative reaction from Unionists. They viewed it as a threat to their identity and a step towards a united Ireland. They protested against the removal of Stormont, increased support for Loyalist paramilitaries, and saw a rise in sectarian violence, especially in Belfast.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Nationalist Response to Direct Rule

    Nationalists generally welcomed the end of Stormont, seeing it as an opportunity for a new political beginning. The SDLP and the Irish government hoped for a fresh start. While the IRA had achieved a goal by destroying Stormont, they saw Direct Rule as evidence of continued British involvement.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Impact of Direct Rule on Loyalist Paramilitaries

    The introduction of direct rule in Northern Ireland led to an increase in support for Loyalist paramilitaries. This was due to Unionist fears about a united Ireland and their perception that direct rule weakened their position. Loyalist paramilitaries became more active, leading to an upsurge in violence and sectarian killings.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    DUP Rise after Direct Rule

    The Democratic Unionist Party (DUP), led by Ian Paisley, saw a rise in its popularity in the wake of direct rule. This was largely due to the DUP's strong opposition to the perceived threat to Northern Ireland's union with Great Britain and their vocal stance against direct rule.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    Did Direct Rule achieve its goals?

    Direct rule was implemented to restore peace and stability in Northern Ireland after the violence and instability of the late 1960s and early 1970s. However, it did not lead to a lasting peace. The removal of Stormont caused a strong negative reaction from Unionists, who viewed it as a threat to their identity and a step towards a united Ireland. This led to an increase in support for Loyalist paramilitaries and sectarian violence, ultimately exacerbating the conflict.

    Signup and view all the flashcards

    More Like This

    Terrorism in Northern Ireland
    40 questions

    Terrorism in Northern Ireland

    HumourousJuxtaposition8221 avatar
    HumourousJuxtaposition8221
    Northern Ireland Politics and History
    16 questions

    Northern Ireland Politics and History

    InvulnerableSwaneeWhistle6251 avatar
    InvulnerableSwaneeWhistle6251
    Political Conflict in Northern Ireland
    14 questions
    Use Quizgecko on...
    Browser
    Browser