1. «The Troubles» Northern Ireland Cecilie

2. 1968-1998 Start: A civil rights march in Londonderry on 5 October 1968 End: On 10. April 1998 The Good Friday Agreement Protestant/loyalist goal: to remain a part of the UK. Catholic/republican goal: to become part of the Republic of Ireland. So, a territorial conflict, not religious. Two mutually exclusive visions of national identity and national belonging. 3600 killed, 50 000 injured, pluss psychologically damaged people

3. Timeline The Northern Ireland parliament had been dominated by unionists/Protestants for over 50 years. They had failed to solve social and political ills,such as institutional discrimination against Catholics. 1969 British troops were sent to restore order. 1971 Internment without trial 1972 Bloody Sunday 1972 the British government suspended the Northern Ireland parliament. Imposed direct rule from London IRA demanded British withdrawal and Irish unification. A «long war» was the only option.

4. 1973 the Sunningdale Agreement 1985 Anglo-Irish Agreement 1994 IRA announced ceasefire – realized that they could not win the «long war». Sinn Fein would work politically. 1996 Talks. Bill Clinton took an active personal role. 1998 The Good Friday Agreement.

5. The Good Friday Agreement Power-sharing New cross-border institutions The Republic of Ireland should drop its constitutional claim to the six counties which form Northern Ireland. Problems: Policing – most Protestant policemen Decommisioning of paramilitary weapons - they had to hand in the weapons The release of political prisoners. Referendum: In Northern Ireland Yes: 71,1% Turnout: 81% In Ireland Yes: 94,4% The Irish were willing to give up their claim to Northern Ireland

6. Political Prisoners 400 loyalist and republican terrorist prisoners were released early. The first 7 were released in September 1998, 5 months after the deal was signed. 200 released before the end of October, most of the rest before Christmas 1998.

7. Peace at last? Yes. Tried power-sharing from 1998- 2002 but failed. Problems because of : The Protestant marches – the Protestants marched through Catholic neighbourhoods. This provoked the Catholics. Policing – how could the Catholics trust the Protestant police? Decommissioning – who and when should they hand in the weapons? 15 years after the deal people in Northern Ireland say it’s a better place to live. https://www.youtube.com/watch? v=sxKyyl9F4NU https://www.youtube.com/watch? v=sxKyyl9F4NU