The Troubles
Conflict In Northern Ireland
General
Overview of Conflict
- "The Troubles" is a name given to the thirty year long conflict between Northern Ireland and The Republic of Ireland. The conflict is between The Catholic Nationalists and The Protestant Unionists over whether or not to continue to be unite with Great Britain, or become one Ireland, not having the North being part of the U.K. This conflict is believed to have began around 1968 and thought to be resolved 1998 with The Good Friday Agreement , though conflict is still present and continuing today.
Location of Conflict
Type of Dispute
- This is both a border and political dispute.
- Border because of Northern Ireland remaining separate and loyal to the United Kingdom, while The Republic of Ireland choices to be its own country. Leaving these two countries either seeking unity or independence from one another.
- Political because while remaining separate states, that means different political views and operations, as an example unionist and nationalist.
Shape
- Ireland is considered, territorially, as a Compact State with a rounder and complete shape. The boundary between Northern Ireland and The Republic of Ireland is a Subsequent Boundary drawn to accommodate political needs.
- The shape really plays more as a hindrance to the conflict, rather than helping it. The position so close to the United Kingdom is one of the main reasons for the separation, and since it is s compact island, they cant receive easy help from their British allies.
Type of state
- Northern Ireland is considered a Multinational-State, combining with other Nation-States such as Wales, England, and Scotland to form The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
Forces of Conflict
- Centripetal Forces were being together on same island, economical concerns, nationality,
- Centrifugal forces were religious associations, country associations, political associations, and willingness to resolve
Outside Influences
- The only other main contributor to the conflict is Northern Ireland's ally Great Britain. They have sent military back up to Northern Ireland,assisting against the IRA and providing alternative peace agreements to both sides. They act as sort of a mediator to help keeps things civil but as is.
Timeline
Event Information
Republic of Ireland Forms
When?
Monday, Apr 24, 1916, 12:00 PM
Where?
Ireland
Event Information
Norethern Ireland Formed
When?
Tuesday, May 3, 1921, 12:00 PM
Where?
Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
Event Information
Civil Rights Campaign
Some consider it the starting point of "The Trouble" period in northern Ireland.
When?
Saturday, Oct 5, 1968, 12:00 PM
Where?
Londonderry, Ireland
Event Information
Operation Demetrius (Internment)
When?
Friday, Sep 10, 1971, 12:00 PM
Where?
Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
Event Information
Ulster Workers' Council strike
When?
Wednesday, May 15, 1974, 12:00 PM
Where?
Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
Event Information
Irish Hunger Strikes
When?
Monday, Oct 27, 1980, 12:00 PM
Where?
Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
Event Information
The Sunningdale Agreement
When?
Sunday, Dec 9, 1973, 09:00 PM
Where?
Berkshire, Sunningdale, United Kingdom
Event Information
Anglo-Irish Agreement
When?
Friday, Nov 15, 1985, 12:00 PM
Where?
Ireland
Event Information
Good Friday (Belfast) Agreement
When?
Friday, Apr 10, 1998, 12:00 PM
Where?
Ireland
Event Information
The Omagh Bomb
When?
Saturday, Aug 15, 1998, 09:00 PM
Where?
Omagh, United Kingdom
Conclusion
Our Opinion
- While we can understand The Republic of Ireland wanting the entire island to remain as one country, Northern Ireland has expressed that they wish ti remain as part of the United Kingdom. They should be allowed to remain as such, since it wasn't causing harm to Ireland in general.
- The Republic of Ireland must realize that by continuing conflict they are harming chances of a united nation, and Northern Ireland must realize that complying with some of The Republic of Ireland;s demands are necessary to continue to live as part of The United Kingdom.