Histoire UK L3 : Lecture 6

What were “The Troubles”?

A violent conflict (late 1960s–1998) between Unionists (Protestants) and Nationalists (Catholics) in Northern Ireland.

Who were the main opposing groups?

Unionist militias vs the Irish Republican Army.

What did Unionists want?

To remain part of the UK.

What did Nationalists/Republicans want?

To unite with the Republic of Ireland.

How many people died during the conflict?

Over 3,600.

What did the Good Friday Agreement establish?

Peace and power-sharing between Catholics and Protestants.

What happened to the Irish border after 1998?

It became invisible (no hard border).

Why is the agreement crucial today?

It is the foundation of peace, threatened by Brexit.

When was the Irish border created?

After the 1919–1921 War of Independence.

How is Northern Ireland often described economically?

A deprived and fragile region.

Why is the open border economically important?

Around 30,000 workers cross it daily.

How did Northern Ireland vote in 2016?

56% voted Remain.

What division appeared in voting patterns?

• Catholics → Remain

• Protestants → Leave

Why is this division important?

It reflects deep identity and political tensions.

What do Nationalists fear after Brexit?

A hard border blocking Irish reunification.

What solution do some support?

A sea border between Great Britain and Ireland.

What do Unionists want?

Strong ties with the UK and no separation from Britain.

What is the Common Travel Area (CTA)?

Free movement between the UK and Ireland since 1923.

Why is it important?

Both sides want to preserve free movement of people.

Name two Unionist parties.

• Democratic Unionist Party (DUP)

• Ulster Unionist Party (UUP)

Name two Nationalist parties.

• SDLP

• Sinn Fein

What is the DUP’s ideology?

Loyalist, pro-UK, Protestant.

What is Sinn Féin’s ideology?

Republican, pro-Irish unity, more radical.

What historic change occurred in 2019 elections?

More Republican than Unionist MPs elected.

What happened in 2022 elections?

Sinn Féin became the largest party (29%).

Why did Theresa May need the DUP?

She lost her majority in 2017.

What did the DUP gain?

Political influence and funding.

What did the DUP support?

Conservative government in key votes.

What is devolution?

Transfer of powers from London to regional government.

What happened in 2017 in Belfast?

Government collapsed (Sinn Féin withdrew).

What replaced the government?

Civil servants (temporary management).

What is “direct rule”?

Governance directly from London.

What would a no-deal Brexit require?

a hard border

Why is this dangerous?

It could violate the Good Friday Agreement.

How long is the Irish border?

500km

Why is it economically vital?

31% of NI exports go to Ireland.

What is the backstop?

A guarantee to avoid a hard border.

What did the EU propose?

Keep NI aligned with EU rules.

Why did the UK reject it?

It threatened UK territorial unity.

Where are checks now performed?

Ports and airports (Irish Sea).

What does this create?

A de facto sea border.

What is the Protocol’s goal?

Avoid a hard border while protecting the EU market.

What is NI’s special status?

Outside EU politically but aligned economically.

What is the main Unionist criticism?

It separates NI from the UK.

Why does the UK want to change the Protocol?

It sees it as too restrictive.

What changes does the UK want?

Fewer checks and less EU control.

What does the EU propose?

Reduce checks but keep the system.

What happened on Bloody Sunday?

British soldiers killed 28 civilians during a protest.

Where did it occur?

Derry/Londonderry.

Why was it important?

It escalated violence and distrust.

What caused early protests?

Discrimination against Catholics.

What role did police play?

Accused of bias and violence.

How do Unionists view the Brexit deal?

As a “betrayal”.

Why?

It creates a border in the Irish Sea.

What trend was observed after 2015?

Rising paramilitary violence (+60%).

Why is Northern Ireland still unstable?

Political, economic, and identity divisions.

What is the main fear today?

Renewed sectarian conflict.

Why is Northern Ireland central to Brexit?

Because it combines:

• Border issues

• Identity conflict

• Peace process

What is the core dilemma?

No border → threatens EU market
Border → threatens peace