Northern Ireland: Partition, Discrimination, and World War II

Vocabulary flashcards covering partition, political discrimination, economic challenges, and key events in Northern Ireland leading up to and during World War II.

Government of Ireland Act (1920)

The act passed by the British government that partitioned Ireland into Northern Ireland (6 counties) and Southern Ireland (26 counties).

David Lloyd George

The British Prime Minister who led the government in partitioning Ireland to appease both Unionists and Nationalists.

James Craig

The first Prime Minister of Northern Ireland in 1921, who oversaw Unionist dominance and pledged full support for Britain during World War II.

House of Commons (Northern Ireland)

The 52-MP lower chamber of Northern Ireland's bicameral parliament, where Unionists held a dominant majority.

Senate (Northern Ireland)

The 26-member upper chamber of Northern Ireland's bicameral parliament, primarily controlled by Unionists.

Governor of Northern Ireland

The political official who represented the British monarch in Northern Ireland.

Gerrymandering

The manipulation and redrawing of electoral boundaries to ensure and maintain Unionist dominance.

Property-based franchise system

The voting system under which many poor or unemployed Catholics were denied voting rights in Northern Ireland.

Harland and Wolff Shipyard

One of the largest employers in Belfast, which maintained a predominantly Protestant workforce.

A-Specials

A full-time armed force established under the Special Constabulary units to respond to IRA attacks.

B-Specials

A part-time, largely Protestant armed force created under the Special Constabulary units accused of harassing and targeting Catholics.

The Great Depression (1929–1939)

An economic crisis that severely affected Northern Ireland's shipbuilding, textiles, and heavy industry, disproportionately increasing unemployment among Catholics.

Orange Order

An organization whose influence was reinforced by the Unionist government to promote Protestant identity in public life.

Belfast Blitz (April-May 1941)

German bombing raids on Belfast that killed over 900 people and destroyed half of the city's housing.

First Dáil

The parliament supported by Irish nationalists, who largely ignored the 26-county Southern Ireland parliament created under the 1920 Act.