Download The Troubles of 1968-72 In Ireland
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Tensions began to rise in Northern Ireland as people started to demand changes to the way in which Northern Ireland was run. Poor housing, high unemployment and institutionalised discrimination led to protests beginning. Perhaps inspired by the Civil Rights campaigners in America, the protest took the form of marches. The marches, whilst initially peaceful protests, triggered a series of violent clashes that brought about a rapid rise in the number of sectarian attacks within the province.
Timeline of the Troubles
October ‘68
Civil Rights march in Derry ends violently.
October ‘68
People’s Democracy and The Derry Citizens’ Action Committee established.
January ‘69
Peoples Democracy organise a march from Belfast to Derry. Riots start in Derry before the marchers arrive. The marchers are attacked by protestant extremists.
January-February ‘69 Catholics in Bogside barricade themselves in.
April ‘69
O’Neill resigns as Prime Minister.
April ’69
Bernadette Devlin elected to Westminster, she warns of the consequences of sending the army to the province in her maiden speech.
July ‘69
Apprentice Boys march past Bogside in Derry, causing riots that the police become involved in.
July-August ’69 ‘The Battle of the Bogside’ Prolonged violence in the Bogside region.
August ‘69
Downing Street Declaration. Troops sent to Northern Ireland.
October ‘69
Hunt Report states that the B-Specials should be disbanded: Protestants furious at this prospect.
February ‘71
First British soldier killed by IRA in Northern Ireland.
August ’71
Government introduces Internment to crush Terrorists: instead it leads to renewed IRA and UVF action.
December ‘71
UDA formed.
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