Ireland & Northern Ireland

Ireland Won independence in 1922 (Catholic) England maintained 6 northern counties Northern  Protestant

N. Ireland Catholics (minority)  discriminated against in these northern counties Wanted civil rights and to be reunified with Ireland Protestants wanted to remain under British control. “Bloody Sunday” Jan. 30, 1972

Violence – “The Troubles” Violence  60’s & 70s Terrorism Irish Republic Army (IRA) targeted Protestants and England Protestant militias targeted Catholics British troops sent in  escalated the tension

Irish Paramilitary Groups Protestant violent groups Aka – Ulster Defense Association; Ulster Volunteer Force I.R.A. – Catholic guerilla military group. Sinn Fein – Catholic political group

1975- IRA sets off a landmine on a British Tank in Northern Ireland

1984 - I.R.A. assassination attempt on British P.M. Margaret Thatcher                            1984 - I.R.A. assassination attempt on British P.M. Margaret Thatcher

Caused by Catholics and Protestants

1998- Good Friday Peace Accord signing Catholics gain right to vote Protestants and Catholics share political control Self-rule to northern Ireland IRA agrees to disarm Random acts of violence are greatly reduced