‘We’re living it, so we may as well learn about it.’ Year 10 pupil

What does a terrorist look like ?

 The word ‘terrorism’ when spoken or read can cause many emotive responses. Certain acts of terrorism have lead to International conflict and wars around the world.  Globally, countries are divided about how to tackle the problem or even what the word means.  Presently, there is no agreed universal definition of the word ‘terrorism'. It has been recorded that there are at least 109 known definition of the word.

 Historically ‘terrorism’ simply means to terrify, and comes from the Latin term, terrere, to cause to tremble.  The U.K. Government definition of ‘terrorism’ can be described as the use of violence in order to accomplish political or social objectives.  Protests, strikes, demonstrations and using your right to vote are all peaceful ways of expressing your ideas and concerns.  Terrorists feel that these methods are ineffective and the only way forward is to use violence to achieve their goals.

 The word ‘terrorism’ was first used in 1794 with connection to the 'Reign of Terror', led by the Jacobins during the French Revolution.  Mass execution became a common occurrence and was used against people who were seen to be enemies to the French Revolution.  It was during this ‘Reign of Terror’ that the guillotine became a popular device for execution.

 By the mid-twentieth century, the format of ‘terrorism’ was in the process of changing. Instead of governments intimidating their people with terror tactics, groups and individuals started to use acts of terrorism against their governments.  During the Nazi occupation of France in WW2, a group naming themselves the French Resistance was created. Their fundamental goal was to liberate their country from Nazi rule  They carried out many attacks on the Nazis including blowing up bridges, ambushing Germans and carrying out assassinations on German officials. This resulted in the Nazi government labelling the group as terrorists.  The French resistance saw themselves as “freedom fighters”

 South Africa also experienced acts of violent ‘terrorism’ due to its system of governing called Apartheid. This simply meant ‘separate development’.  However in reality it was a legal form of racial segregation. Black people were restricted to living in only certain areas. They were not even allowed to vote

 In response to this unjust system of ruling, the African National Congress was formed shortly before the First World War.  They wanted to get rid of the Government and Apartheid and create a fair system of ruling based on Democracy.  During the 1960’s a critical decision was made to use more violent and aggressive tactics to bring about racial equality.  Bombing, sabotage and damage to infrastructure was some of the methods employed by the A.N.C. One of the African National Congress members was Nelson Mandela who later became the President of South Africa.

 In the 1960’s Nelson Mandela was accused of being a terrorist. He was found guilty and imprisoned for 27 years and later released in  During his years in prison Nelson received huge global support. In 1988 music artists organised a massive music concert called the Nelson Mandela 70th Birthday Tribute.  The aim was to put pressure on the South African Government to release him. It was watched all around the world. He was released two years later.

 In 1993, Mandela was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.  He later became the South African President in 1994 and is often now seen as a figure of inspiration and a champion of peace.  Over time the perception of Mandela as a terrorist changed dramatically

 The 1960’s saw many Nationalist based groups spring up. One group closer to home (Northern Ireland) were known as the Irish Republican Army or the I.R.A.  They were in direct conflict with the British Government. They wanted to end British rule in Northern Ireland and carried out acts of ‘terrorism’ in order to achieve their goal.  This resulted in an increase in tension between two groups- the Protestants and the Catholics. The Protestants were the majority in Northern Ireland and wanted Northern Ireland to remain British.  The Catholics, however, were the minority and felt discriminated against. They claimed that the Protestants had better houses, better jobs and a better standard of living. They also felt that the police were spying on their communities

 One group, the IRA had been formed in the early 1920’s to fight against what they felt was ‘British occupation’ of their country.  Violence and rioting had reached alarming levels and led to the British army being deployed, to Northern Ireland.  In 1984 the IRA targeted the UK cabinet and detonated a bomb at the Grand Hotel Brighton.  The British army ended up staying there for another 38 years and finally withdrew from Northern Ireland in July  Some former IRA members are now elected MPs who can vote in the House Of Commons

 How have acts of “Terrorism” changed during the 20 th Century  What do you think of the statement “One man’s terrorist is another man’s freedom fighter”  Are terrorist acts just an illegal means to seek power and control in a society?  Who are the victims of terrorism?