History of the Northern Ireland Conflict

Introduction

• Falls Road and Shankhill Road in Belfast are separated by a border and a peace wall
• Wall built almost 50 years ago; remains a symbol of deep divisions
• Conflict known as the Troubles lasted 30 years

Formation and Initial Conflict

• Northern Ireland formed in 1921 when Ireland seceded from the UK; six counties remained part of the UK
• Ongoing governance contest led to the Troubles
• Religious tension dates back to the plantation of Ulster at the end of the 16th century

Plantation of Ulster

• War in 1603 led to colonization by King James VI & I
• Official plantation in 1609 planted lowland Scots and some from north England in Ulster

Religious Wars and Divisions

• James II overthrown by Protestant William of Orange in 1688
• Major battles: Battle of the Boyne (1690), Battle of Aughrim (1691)
• Ongoing religious conflict parallel to fight for independence from British rule

Irish Famine and Rebellion

• Potato famine in 1845; British continued to export food; over a million died
• Famine sparked new calls for independence
• Multiple Home Rule bills; third bill passed in 1914 but delayed due to WWI
• The Easter Rising in 1916; failed rebellion but leaders' execution hardened attitudes
• Sinn Féin won 1918 election and declared an independent Ireland

War for Independence and Partition

• Irish War for Independence between IRA and British government
• 1920 Home Rule and 1921 Anglo-Irish Treaty; South became Free State
• Six counties in the North remained part of Britain, leading to partition

Discrimination and Civil Rights Movement

• Protestant majority ensured political dominance
• Gerrymandering and discriminatory voting
• Employment bias favoring Protestants
• Civil rights movement grew among nationalist communities

Start of the Troubles

• Escalating tension in late 1960s
• 1969 violence during Apprentice Boys of Derry march
• IRA split in 1969, formation of Provisional IRA
• Growth of loyalist paramilitaries like UDA, UVF

British Army Involvement

• Operation Banner: Army deployed on streets
• Use of baton round guns; controversial and often deadly
• Formed Ulster Defence Regiment in 1970
• Falls Curfew in 1970 escalated tensions; four civilians killed
• 1971 internment policy increased violence and recruitment for IRA

Key Events and Divisions

• Internment policy led to backlash and deepened divisions
• 1972: worst year of violence; heavy casualties among civilians
• No resolution in sight; violence crosses borders

Conclusion

• History marked by deep religious and political divisions
• Troubles rooted in historical colonization, religious conflict, and British governance
• Resolution to violence and path to peace complex and ongoing