The Troubles
The period of the Troubles, lasting three decades, began October 5, 1968 and ended April 10, 1998 due to the Good Friday Agreement. During this period, over 3,600 people were killed and thousands more injured. The goal of unionist and Protestant majority was to remain a part of the United Kingdom. The opposing view of the nationalist and republican minority, which was heavily Catholic, was to become part of the Republic of Ireland. Unionists dominated the population of Northern Ireland for over 50 years and attempted to discriminate against the Catholics and perform social and political ills. In response to this, tension and violence grew between the two communities. From 1969 to 1972 the situation worsened, leading to the sending in of British troops to stop the violence. Eventually the British government suspended Northern Ireland's parliament and imposed direct rule from London.
Click for more information on the Troubles
Bloody Sunday
Bloody Sunday occurred on January 30, 1972 in Londonderry. Catholic protestors had been marching against the British policy of internment of suspected Irish nationalists. The march had been ordered to be banned by British authorities, which resulted in the sending of troops to confront and stop the protests. Carelessly, the troops began to fire rapidly towards the crowd. 13 unarmed civil rights demonstrators were killed with 17 others who were wounded. This act of unjust violence brought worldwide attention to Northern Ireland and sparked protests all over Ireland. In April of 1972, the British government released a report that excused the British troops from any illegal action taken during the protest.
Click to watch a video on Bloody Sunday
The period of the Troubles, lasting three decades, began October 5, 1968 and ended April 10, 1998 due to the Good Friday Agreement. During this period, over 3,600 people were killed and thousands more injured. The goal of unionist and Protestant majority was to remain a part of the United Kingdom. The opposing view of the nationalist and republican minority, which was heavily Catholic, was to become part of the Republic of Ireland. Unionists dominated the population of Northern Ireland for over 50 years and attempted to discriminate against the Catholics and perform social and political ills. In response to this, tension and violence grew between the two communities. From 1969 to 1972 the situation worsened, leading to the sending in of British troops to stop the violence. Eventually the British government suspended Northern Ireland's parliament and imposed direct rule from London.
Click for more information on the Troubles
Bloody Sunday
Bloody Sunday occurred on January 30, 1972 in Londonderry. Catholic protestors had been marching against the British policy of internment of suspected Irish nationalists. The march had been ordered to be banned by British authorities, which resulted in the sending of troops to confront and stop the protests. Carelessly, the troops began to fire rapidly towards the crowd. 13 unarmed civil rights demonstrators were killed with 17 others who were wounded. This act of unjust violence brought worldwide attention to Northern Ireland and sparked protests all over Ireland. In April of 1972, the British government released a report that excused the British troops from any illegal action taken during the protest.
Click to watch a video on Bloody Sunday