Political Conflict in Northern Ireland

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Questions and Answers

What was a major fear of the Protestant majority regarding Catholic participation in government?

It would cause Protestant factions to unite.

It would lead to economic advantages for Catholics.

It might lead to reunification with the Irish Republic. (correct)

It would result in violent uprisings.

Which event is considered the most serious during the conflict mentioned?

Bloody Sunday, when British soldiers shot 14 Catholic demonstrators. (correct)

The bombing of a hotel in Brighton.

The sending of British army troops to Northern Ireland.

The establishment of the Northern Ireland Assembly.

What major political agreement was reached in April 1998?

The Irish Peace Treaty.

The Northern Ireland Redress Act.

The Belfast Accord.

The Good Friday Agreement. (correct)

What did the Good Friday Agreement establish in Northern Ireland?

A new autonomous Northern Irish Assembly. Signup and view all the answers

Which paramilitary organization swore to wage war on Britain until Northern Ireland became part of the Irish Republic?

Irish Republican Army (IRA). Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary goal of the civil rights movement initiated by Catholics in 1968?

Gaining fair political and economic rights. Signup and view all the answers

Which British Prime Minister was in office during the Good Friday Agreement talks?

Tony Blair. Signup and view all the answers

How did the economic crisis after World War II primarily affect Catholics compared to Protestants?

Catholics suffered more due to higher unemployment. Signup and view all the answers

Which political party leaders were awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1998?

David Trimble and John Hume. Signup and view all the answers

What major action did the IRA announce in 2005?

It had completely disarmed itself. Signup and view all the answers

What was the reaction of radical Protestant groups following the Good Friday Agreement?

They became more politically active and aggressive. Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary function of the Royal Ulster Constabulary (RUC)?

To enforce law and order in Northern Ireland. Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the outcomes of the events leading up to the suspension of the Northern Irish government in 1972?

Direct rule was imposed from the British government. Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant consequence of the demographic changes in Northern Ireland following the Good Friday Agreement?

Protestants became a minority due to growing Catholic populations. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

The Conflict: Origins

Political divisions between Protestants and Catholics fueled conflict in 20th-century Northern Ireland.
Elections were effectively referendums about Northern Ireland's future: remaining in the UK or joining the Irish Republic.
Protestant majority dominated Northern Ireland's government and employment.
Catholics faced widespread discrimination, especially after WWII, exacerbated by economic hardship in traditional industries like shipbuilding.
1968 marked the start of a Catholic civil rights movement, facing violent opposition from Protestants and a largely Protestant police force (Royal Ulster Constabulary/RUC).
Violence escalated, with barricades erected and deaths occurring.
British troops were deployed in 1969, increasing tensions and solidifying Catholic sentiment against both Protestants and the British.

The Conflict: Escalation

British governments attempted political reforms but failed to achieve widespread acceptance.
Bloody Sunday (1972) – British soldiers shot 14 Catholic protestors, prompting a call for armed self-defense by Catholics
Suspension of Northern Irish government, replaced by direct rule from London.
Ongoing violence and political impasse characterized the conflict.
Catholic paramilitary groups, like the Irish Republican Army (IRA), emerged, aiming for reunification with the Irish Republic.
IRA received support from Irish-Americans and engaged in bombings in England.

The Conflict: Resolution

1994-95 saw the first ceasefire agreement.
British government negotiations with Sinn Fein and other parties commenced.
The Good Friday Agreement (1998), signed by various parties, resolved the political conflict:
- Established a Northern Ireland Assembly and Executive.
- Included power-sharing measures granting significant autonomy to the Northern Ireland government.
UUP and DUP (Protestant) and SDLP and Sinn Fein (Catholic) parties held proportional representation in the government.
David Trimble (UUP) and John Hume (SDLP) were awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for their role in the agreement.
The Good Friday Agreement ended the 30-year period of “The Troubles,” requiring concessions from all sides.

The Conflict: Post-Agreement Developments

Northern Ireland Assembly established in 1999 but faced initial challenges.
DUP's refusal to participate initially, and IRA's slow disarmament, led to suspension of the Assembly.
IRA officially disarmed itself in 2005.
Continued power-sharing, with DUP and Sinn Fein leaders holding key positions in the executive branch.
British troop withdrawal from Northern Ireland commenced.

Cultural Impact of the Conflict

The conflict inspired numerous literary and cinematic works.
Notable example: In the Name of the Father.
Music reflecting the conflict, such as U2's Sunday Bloody Sunday and The Cranberries' Zombie.

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Description

Explore the origins and escalation of the conflict in Northern Ireland. This quiz covers the political divisions between Protestants and Catholics, the civil rights movement, and the impact of British troops in the region. Test your knowledge on a pivotal chapter of 20th-century history.