1. Consequences of Conflict on N. Ireland

2. Peaceful Protest Marches vs Violence Civil Rights movements started in 1960s : - demanded equal rights - protested against unfair treatment of the Catholics - made peaceful demands for basic rights such as housing, jobs, education and voting - Civil Rights Movement in 1968 was a beginning of the period called the ‘Troubles’

3. How did the Protestants react to these marches? - Protestants reacted with hostility and violence - Saw the movement as an attempt to weaken the government

4. In 1969, -the British Army was sent to Northern Ireland to help keep peace - Catholics welcomed their protectors (thought that the British Army was neutral)

5. In 1971, -N. Ireland government introduced the ‘internment laws’ -These laws gave the British Army the power to arrest, interrogate and detain without trial, anyone suspected of being involved in any acts to weaken the government - Catholics soon lost faith in the British Army when the army started to search their homes and made arrests

6. In 1972, - A peaceful civil rights march was shot at by the British soldiers - 13 civilians were shot dead and many more were wounded - This incident is called the ‘Bloody Sunday’ incident - It marked the beginning of violent conflict between the Catholics and the Protestants

7. The Catholics suffered at two fronts : 1. The Protestant Mob Catholic homes were petrol-bombed by Protestant mobs forcing families to flee Their homes were looted Catholic businesses and pubs were burnt and destroyed

8. 2. Security Forces: The Police and British Army The police did help to ease the tense situation The British Army attacked Catholic homes and damaged their property.

9. Involvement of Irish Republican Army (IRA) - IRA was an illegal organisation formed by the Northern Irish Catholics - Its mission was to use violence to rid Northern Ireland of the British Army and the representatives of the British government - Within 2 decades of the conflict, many people were killed - IRA was said to be responsible for 2/3 of the deaths and even the killing of innocent Protestants

10. Effects of Protestants–Catholic Conflict The conflict resulted in : Political Impact Economic Impact Social Impact

11. Political Impact -The Civil Rights did put pressure on N.Ireland government to change the discriminatory laws -Political Reform (political improvement) occurred -N. Ireland government agreed to abolish unfair voting system and review schemes for allocating government-owned houses

12. Economic Impact -The conflicts created an unstable situation in N. Ireland -Foreign-owned factories closed down as operating costs increased (had to pay for damages etc) -Also, discouraged more domestic and foreign investments coming into the country (why would you invest in an unstable economy?) -Revenue earned as a country decreased

13. Social Impact -Education system and prevailing beliefs of one another has created an atmosphere of tension -Catholics and Protestants have been socially segregated and do not mix with one another -This increases the lack of understanding they have of one another -Makes the chance of resolution of the conflict harder and increases the rift between the 2 groups

14. Hope for Peace in N.I.? Attempts at resolutions -Attempts by the British government made to bring about peace (1970s – 1990s) -IRA & members of British govt met, but no resolution could be agreed upon -Late 1990s, 4 groups came together to one again, talk about peace in N. Ireland - British govt - Irish Republic of Ireland - IRA - Northern Ireland community leaders

15. -The Good Friday Peace Agreement was reached in 1998 Some terms: -A united Ireland could not be brought about without the consent of the people living in N. Ireland -A council involving both ministers from N. Ireland and Republic of Ireland to discuss issues of mutual interests (tourism and fisheries) -N. Ireland govt to work on decommissioning of IRA weapons (putting weapons out of use)

16. Is peace possible? Does the Good Friday agreement mean that the conflict is over? -Does show some progress in attempting to stop the immediate violence -However, embedded prejudice and discrimination will take longer to change Are the people of N. Ireland ready to make changes towards peace?