The Troubles in Northern Ireland began in 1969 and lasted until 1998, becoming known as one of the longest and most devastating conflicts in modern European history. During this period, almost 3,500 people were killed in Northern Ireland and thousands more were injured or made homeless. This article will look at why the Troubles started in Northern Ireland, the different groups involved and their aims, and the legacy which has been left as a result.
What Caused the Troubles in Northern Ireland?
The Troubles began as a result of existing tensions between the two main groups in Northern Ireland – the unionists, who are predominantly Protestant and support union with Britain, and the nationalists, who are predominantly Catholic and support nationalism for a united Ireland. These two communities, who had co-existed peacefully for centuries and shared the same land, were divided by religious and political ideals. This division led to increased tension and unrest, culminating in the outbreak of violence which became known as the Troubles.
Nationalists and Unionists
Nationalist groups, such as the Irish Republican Army (IRA) and the Ulster Volunteer Force (UVF), formed to try to achieve Irish unity. The IRA sought to use physical force to achieve its objectives and was widely condemned due to its tactics including bombings and shootings. The UVF, however, chose to focus on non-violent tactics such as marches and protests. On the other side, the unionists, such as the Ulster Defence Association (UDA) and the Ulster Unionist Party (UUP), wanted to remain part of the United Kingdom and opposed any changes or compromise with nationalists.
The Impact of Inequality
Another factor which contributed to the start of the Troubles was the economic inequality experienced by Catholics in Northern Ireland. Despite the vast majority of the population being Catholic, the unionist-controlled Northern Irish government had historically favoured the Protestant population and discriminated against the Catholic population in areas such as education, housing and employment opportunities. This inequality played a crucial role in exacerbating the tensions between the two communities and laid the groundwork for the Troubles which began in 1969.
The Role of Religious Bodies
Religious bodies also played an important role in the Troubles. The Protestant churches traditionally supported the unionists and opposed any attempt to unify the two communities, while the Catholic churches tended to sympathise with the nationalist cause and campaign for greater equality for Catholics in Northern Ireland. In general, the churches sought to promote peace and reconciliation and not to support any particular group, though their pastoral and political roles often overlapped.
The Legacy of the Troubles
The Troubles in Northern Ireland ended in 1998 with the signing of the Good Friday Agreement, though the legacy of the conflict remains today. The Agreement ended violence and allowed for greater cooperation between the two communities, granting self-government to the Northern Irish government and confirming the status of Northern Ireland as part of the United Kingdom. In addition, the Agreement aimed to bring peace, justice and reconciliation to all sides and established various political and security provisions to prevent further conflict.
The Troubles in Northern Ireland started in 1969 and ended in 1998, but the legacy of the conflict remains to this day. The Troubles began as a result of tensions between the two main groups in Northern Ireland – the unionists and the nationalists. These two communities had co-existed peacefully for centuries, but religious and political divisions pitted them against each other. The economic inequality experienced by Catholics in Northern Ireland also contributed to the unrest, and religious bodies played an important role in the conflict. In 1998, the Good Friday Agreement was signed, ending the violence and granting self-government to the Northern Irish government, as well as seeking to bring peace, justice and reconciliation to all sides.