Northern Ireland Coursework 1968-1972

1968- Tension rises Tension between Protestants & Catholics increased as the RUC attacked Civil Rights marchers This was broadcast on TV and was headlines in the world’s press

The Protestant Reaction Extreme Protestant leaders like Ian Paisley said the Civil Rights group were a threat to Ulster He warned Unionists that the Catholics wanted to take over

Violence Increases Civil Rights leaders decided to keep up pressure on the government The attack on the People’s Democracy March was followed by rioting in Londonderry

The Prime Minister of Northern Ireland O’Neill was prepared to make change Hardliners from either side were not prepared to wait O’Neill was forced to resign

The Battle of the Bogside August is the start of the marching season The Londonderry Boys Apprentice March was followed by fighting between the police and the residents of the Bogside district

Full scale fighting

British Troops in the North Violence spread to Belfast where 1000s of Catholics lost their homes British troops were sent in to prevent a possible massacre of Catholics by the Protestants

The ‘Honeymoon’ British troops were first welcomed by the Catholics The Protestants were less happy In October 1969 soldiers killed 2 Protestant rioters

Changing attitudes At the same time the IRA was gathering support and weapons The Army was ordered to search for guns This turned many Nationalists against the Army

Welcome now turned to hatred