Ever since the Norman invasion of Ireland in the Middle ages, Ireland has caused
nothing but trouble for the English. After many failed rebellions, Ireland gained
independence in 1921 after the Anglo Irish war. However tension still existed,
especially in Northen Ireland which was still in the UK. Communal and religious
differences were one obstacle to peace during the troubles however there were
many more issues such as, the role of terrorism, the role of the British army, and
the role of the Irish government. However religious and communal differences
were not the main obstacle to peace during the troubles with it instead being the
role of terrorism.
Religious and communal differences were one obstacle to peace during the
troubles. Cultural differences were a significant obstacle. Catholic people in
northern Ireland were far more likely to join the GAA and play sports like Gallic
football whilst Protestants were more likely to play sports like cricket. This shows
that even in something as simple as sports, the two groups were divided from one
another. Secondly segregation was another significant obstacle to peace. In Derry
the majority of people living on the west bank were catholic with only 2,472
protestants living there in 1981, almost 6,000 less than were living there in 1971.
This shows that as Catholics and protestants were fully separate from each other
which caused them to suspect the other group. However it can be argued that
this was not significant because these two groups had been separate for a very
long time and it had not caused any major problems before. Overall whilst
religious and communal differences were important, the role of terrorism was far
more significant.
The role of terrorism is another important cause of tensions in the troubles.
Firstly republican groups like the PIRA and OIRA carried out attacks like bloody
Friday where the PIRA set of 20 bombs to explode simultaneously in Belfast killing
many, and their hiding of weapons in the Republic of Ireland which let them keep
weapons safe from the British. This caused tensions as these groups were actively
attacking the British army and civilians in Northern Ireland which made many seek
revenge. However they weren't the only terror groups as loyalist groups like the
UVF who carried out the bombing of McGurks bar, the deadliest attack during the
troubles. This caused tensions as many Catholics sought revenge and joined and
supported Republican terrorists. However it can be argued that this was not that
significant as republican groups like the PIRA began to change their strategy to a
peaceful one such as the Armarite and ballot box campaign which began in 1981.
Overall however it is cleat that the role of terrorism was the most important
reason why peace wasn’t achieved during the troubles.
nothing but trouble for the English. After many failed rebellions, Ireland gained
independence in 1921 after the Anglo Irish war. However tension still existed,
especially in Northen Ireland which was still in the UK. Communal and religious
differences were one obstacle to peace during the troubles however there were
many more issues such as, the role of terrorism, the role of the British army, and
the role of the Irish government. However religious and communal differences
were not the main obstacle to peace during the troubles with it instead being the
role of terrorism.
Religious and communal differences were one obstacle to peace during the
troubles. Cultural differences were a significant obstacle. Catholic people in
northern Ireland were far more likely to join the GAA and play sports like Gallic
football whilst Protestants were more likely to play sports like cricket. This shows
that even in something as simple as sports, the two groups were divided from one
another. Secondly segregation was another significant obstacle to peace. In Derry
the majority of people living on the west bank were catholic with only 2,472
protestants living there in 1981, almost 6,000 less than were living there in 1971.
This shows that as Catholics and protestants were fully separate from each other
which caused them to suspect the other group. However it can be argued that
this was not significant because these two groups had been separate for a very
long time and it had not caused any major problems before. Overall whilst
religious and communal differences were important, the role of terrorism was far
more significant.
The role of terrorism is another important cause of tensions in the troubles.
Firstly republican groups like the PIRA and OIRA carried out attacks like bloody
Friday where the PIRA set of 20 bombs to explode simultaneously in Belfast killing
many, and their hiding of weapons in the Republic of Ireland which let them keep
weapons safe from the British. This caused tensions as these groups were actively
attacking the British army and civilians in Northern Ireland which made many seek
revenge. However they weren't the only terror groups as loyalist groups like the
UVF who carried out the bombing of McGurks bar, the deadliest attack during the
troubles. This caused tensions as many Catholics sought revenge and joined and
supported Republican terrorists. However it can be argued that this was not that
significant as republican groups like the PIRA began to change their strategy to a
peaceful one such as the Armarite and ballot box campaign which began in 1981.
Overall however it is cleat that the role of terrorism was the most important
reason why peace wasn’t achieved during the troubles.
