1. Conflict in Northern Ireland

2. A Short History
After England conquered Ireland, the country was divided into 2 states based on the majority religion of each part
Northern Ireland had a large percentage of Protestants who moved there after England conquered the country
Ireland was made up of mostly Irish locals who were Catholics

3. A Short History
The Catholics in Northern Ireland were treated unfairly by the government who were mostly Protestants
In 1949, Ireland became independent but Northern Ireland remained under UK rule
United Kingdom
Republic of Ireland

4. A Short History
Because they were treated unfairly, the Catholics in Northern Ireland fought hard to reunite with Republic of Ireland
However, the Protestants were afraid that a Catholic government would not be tolerant of their beliefs, so they fought hard to remain as part of the United Kingdom

5. Government in Northern Ireland
Since 1972…
Ruled by the British parliament in London
Secretary of State for Northern Ireland chosen by the UK Prime Minister
Finance, Commerce, Health and Education controlled by Northern Ireland government
Foreign affairs and Defence matters were in British hands

6. Causes of Conflict Divided Loyalties Housing Employment Voting Rights
Education
Separate Residential Areas

7. 1. Divided Loyalties
Protestants and Catholics are intolerant of each other
Protestants are mostly of Scottish and English origin
Catholics are mostly of local Irish origin
Both groups support different countries
Protestants UK
Catholics Republic of Ireland

8. 2. Housing
Catholics felt discriminated by the City Council who provided housing
City Council was mostly made up of Protestants
Catholic families made to wait very long to get a house
In some towns, more houses were given to Protestants instead of Catholics

9. 3. Employment There was a competition for jobs
Catholics found it more difficult to get jobs, especially government jobs
Catholics felt there was unequal opportunity in employment even though they were as academically qualified as the Protestants

10. 4. Voting Rights
Before 1969…
Only those who owned houses and businesses could vote in local elections
Each household had 2 votes
Companies were given more votes, depending on their size
Many companies were owned by richer Protestants, therefore they had more votes
Voting districts were also drawn up to include a larger proportion of Protestants

11. 4. Voting Rights
After 1969…
Major changes were made in the voting system
Everyone over 18 years was given 1 vote
Must be a British citizen
Born in Northern Ireland or lived in the UK for 7 years
Voting districts redrawn to ensure fairness

12. 5. Education 3 Systems of Schools Protestant Schools Catholic Schools
Integrated Schools
Learnt British history
Played British sports
Loyal to Britain
Sang British national anthem
Learnt Irish history
Played Irish sports
Learnt Irish language and culture
Regarded Britain as a foreign country
Offered subjects that cater to both Catholics and Protestants
Schools run by private individuals
Not popular with families

13. 6. Separate Residential Areas
Catholics and Protestants living in separate residential areas
This separation reduced opportunities for social interaction between both groups

14. Activity Time
Refer to page 38 and 39 of your SS Activity Book and complete the activity on those 2 pages
After you have finished, read the poem on the next slide and answer the question at the end of the poem in your A4 Notebook

15. Two Communities We live in this street, they live in that street,
Glyn Chambers - Belfast - 17 years old
We live in this street, they live in that street,
yet both communities live in Belfast.
We follow this religion, they follow that religion,
yet both communities believe in God.
We vote for these parties, they vote for those parties,
yet both communities recognize each other’s mandate*.
We feel bound to one country, they feel bound to another country,
yet both communities are bound to Northern Ireland.
We think they are troublemakers, they think we are troublemakers,
yet both communities have contributed to the Troubles.
We claim they get too much, they claim we get too much,
yet both communities wish to create a prosperous, equal society with opportunities for all.
Two communities, but what are the differences?
*mandate = law